Ramaphosa Demands Immediate Release of Global Sumud Flotilla Detainees
Pretoria, South Africa – October 2, 2025
President Cyril Ramaphosa has issued a sharp rebuke to Israel, demanding the immediate release of South African nationals and other detainees seized during the interception of the Global Sumud humanitarian flotilla off the coast of Gaza.
The president described the action as a “grave offence” against international law, accusing Israel of violating both the sovereignty of nations whose flags were flown on the vessels and the rights of individuals on board. The flotilla, made up of several aid ships, was carrying medical supplies, food, and other essentials intended for civilians in Gaza.
Among those confirmed to have been on board are prominent South Africans, including Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela (Mandla Mandela), author Zukiswa Wanner, and activist Reaaz Moolla. Government sources are still verifying the status of others, including Zaheera Soomar, Fatima Hendricks, and Carrie Shelver, who are believed to have been part of the mission.
Ramaphosa stressed that their seizure in international waters amounts to an unlawful abduction and contravenes rulings of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which has ordered that humanitarian aid must be allowed to flow unimpeded into Gaza.
Beyond the release of detainees, Ramaphosa insisted that the life-saving cargo aboard the flotilla must reach Gaza’s population without delay. He aligned his government’s position with that of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, calling for the blockade of Gaza to be lifted and for humanitarian corridors to be opened “through all means possible.”
“These abductions serve no purpose in the pursuit of peace,” the president declared, warning that obstructing humanitarian access only deepens the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.
The president’s strong language describes the incident as not merely a diplomatic dispute but a clear breach of international law. By invoking principles of maritime freedom, sovereignty of flag states, and ICJ rulings, South Africa is signaling its intention to escalate the issue within international legal and diplomatic forums.
Observers note that this bold position enhances South Africa’s standing as a vocal defender of Palestinian rights and humanitarian principles. However, it also risks straining Pretoria’s already tense relations with Israel and its allies, especially if legal or diplomatic challenges follow.
The interception of the Global Sumud flotilla is already drawing international scrutiny. Critics of Israel argue that the seizure demonstrates the ongoing restrictions placed on humanitarian aid bound for Gaza, while Israel has historically defended such actions as necessary security measures.
For South Africa, the incident is more than a foreign policy issue. It touches directly on the safety of its citizens abroad and on Pretoria’s broader push to position itself as a global moral authority in international justice.
Key questions remain: Will Israel heed the demand for immediate release? Will the humanitarian cargo be delivered to Gaza as intended? And will South Africa pursue further legal action in international courts or mobilize support through the African Union and United Nations?
For now, President Ramaphosa’s message is clear: South Africa will not remain silent while its citizens are detained and humanitarian aid to Gaza is blocked.
