South Africa welcomes the release of detained activists from Israel
International Relations
This video grab taken from a livestream broadcasted on October 2, 2025 by the Global Sumud Flotilla shows Israeli navy soldiers (up) boarding the vessel 'Oxygono', one of the Sumud flotilla boats, aiming at breaking the Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip. Israel said on October 2, 2025 it will deport pro-Palestinian activists on an aid flotilla intercepted at sea as they headed towards Gaza, adding that none of the vessels had successfully breached its maritime blockade. According to Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis, 39 of the around 45 ships have been intercepted and were headed to the Israeli port city of Ashdod, according to state broadcaster ERT.
Image: Handout / Global Sumud Flotilla / AFP
THE release of six South African activists detained by Israel has been warmly welcomed by South Africa’s Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation, as the group prepares to return home via Jordan.
The activists were part of the Global Sumud flotilla, a humanitarian mission en route to Gaza carrying critical food and medical supplies, when it was intercepted and boarded by Israeli forces in international waters earlier this month.
Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, Supra Mahumapelo, expressed relief at their release and extended well wishes for their safe return. “We are thankful for the release of the six South African activists and we wish them a safe return home,” he said.
He also reiterated South Africa’s longstanding position on the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, emphasising the urgent need for a diplomatic resolution: “We call on all the countries of the world to support the two-state solution approach to resolving the Israeli–Palestinian conflict by creating two states. Palestine supports the creation of the two states; however, Israel currently does not support the proposal. We call for the end of the conflict where the lives of innocent babies, children and women were lost.”
The activists’ detention sparked international outcry and renewed attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Over 470 activists from around the world were detained during the interception, with numerous reports of mistreatment, including allegations of abuse, inhumane detention conditions, and deprivation of food and water.
Swedish climate advocate Greta Thunberg, among those detained, described being dragged, insulted, and denied basic necessities.
Former MP and grandson of Nelson Mandela, Inkosi Zwelivelile Mandela, who was aboard the flotilla, voiced deep concern during the activists’ captivity: “Nosekeni Rabia Mandela is calling for the immediate release of activists held by Israeli forces. It comes as activists aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla have been detained… We are very emotional. There are a lot of nerves. We haven’t had any real credible information coming from the flotilla since the abduction.”
President Cyril Ramaphosa had also voiced strong concern, urging Israel to immediately release the detained South Africans and other nationals, and condemning the flotilla’s interception as a breach of international law.
The Global Sumud flotilla’s journey reflects ongoing global efforts to break the blockade on Gaza and deliver urgently needed aid, but it also highlights the persistent geopolitical obstacles to peace.
As the six South African activists prepare to return home, international calls continue to grow for renewed dialogue, respect for human rights, and a return to the two-state solution as the only viable path toward lasting peace in a region scarred by escalating violence and profound human suffering.