DIRCO confirms Flotilla activists in good health, safe return underway
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has provided an update on the status of South Africans detained in Israel following the interception of the pro-Palestinian Global Sumud Flotilla.
A specialist South African delegation met with the detainees at Israel’s Negev Prison facility on Sunday.
DIRCO confirmed that the activists are in good health and high spirits, and that arrangements for their safe passage and return to South Africa are progressing steadily.
"Our delegation has confirmed that the detainees are in good health and in high spirits. The necessary procedures for their safe passage and return home to South Africa are advancing steadily," said DIRCO spokesperson Chrispin Phiri
The detained activists were part of the flotilla, which consisted of around 45 vessels and attempted to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, where the United Nations has warned of a growing famine.
Among the participants were Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela, grandson of Nelson Mandela, and Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg.
DIRCO’s update comes as President Cyril Ramaphosa called on Israel to release the detained South Africans and allow the flotilla’s life-saving cargo to reach Gaza.
Ramaphosa described Israel’s actions as a violation of international law, emphasizing that the interception of the vessels breached the sovereignty of the nations whose flags were flown on board.
"The interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla is another grave offence by Israel of global solidarity and sentiment aimed at relieving suffering in Gaza. On behalf of our government and nation, I call on Israel to immediately release the South Africans abducted in international waters."
Israel has indicated it will deport the activists to Europe, but DIRCO continues to work closely with Israeli authorities to ensure that South African citizens are safely returned home.
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