International Politics

ISRAEL - Activist and grandson of Nelson Mandela, Mandla Mandela, who was sailing to Gaza aboard a boat which is part of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), has been kidnapped by Israeli forces who intercepted the flotilla in the early hours of yesterday.

Mandela pre-recorded a message in case of interception by Israel.

“I’m a citizen of the Republic of South Africa. If you are receiving this video, it means that we have been intercepted and have been abducted by the State of apartheid Israel,” he said. “I call you to request our government to exert pressure for my immediate release.”

The South African group of the flotilla has condemned the interception of its vessels by Israeli occupation forces in international waters, describing the attack as a deliberate attempt to block humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Delegates aboard the flotilla, which included South African civilians, were reportedly detained and faced drone and water cannon attacks.

In a statement, the Global Sumud Flotilla (GDF) confirmed that the Israeli occupation forces ambushed the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters, detaining some of the delegates and attacking the vessels with drones and water cannons.

“These actions represent yet another attempt to silence voices of solidarity and to prevent even the smallest lifeline of relief from reaching Gaza. This is illegal under international law,” the GDF said in a statement.

The organisation emphasised that the flotilla’s mission was purely humanitarian and peaceful.

“The GSF was carrying civilians committed to drawing attention to the devastating conditions faced by Palestinians. Their mission is peaceful. Their objective is humanitarian. Their interception exposes once more, the reality that Gaza is held under siege not only by walls and checkpoints, but by warships, drones and policies of isolation.”

Israeli forces have intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla and kidnapped Mandla Mandela. (Pic: Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Newspapers)