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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday demanded the immediate release of South African activists detained by Israeli forces after the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla overnight.
The flotilla, made up of around 40 boats carrying international activists and humanitarian aid bound for Gaza, was intercepted by the Israeli navy late Wednesday. Almost all vessels were stopped and escorted to the port of Ashdod, where passengers were detained.
Israel’s blockade of Gaza remains in force by both land and sea. At the port, authorities reportedly conducted immigration proceedings without the presence of lawyers. The Adalah legal center, which has been working with the flotilla, said it was only granted access later on Thursday to consult with the detainees.
Among those held are at least three South Africans, including Nkosi Zwelivelile “Mandla” Mandela, the grandson of Nelson Mandela. The South African presidency said it was still verifying reports that three more South African citizens were also detained.
President Ramaphosa condemned the detentions and urged Israel to release the activists immediately.
