Ramaphosa Condemns Israel’s Flotilla Interception as a “Grave Offence,” Demands Immediate Release of SA Citizens

CAPE TOWN – In a firm and unequivocal statement, President Cyril Ramaphosa has directly called on the Israeli government to immediately release the South African activists and other nationals abducted during the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla, framing the act as a blatant violation of international law and a contemptuous disregard for a ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

The President’s address on Thursday marks the highest-level governmental response to the incident, which saw Israeli forces seize the humanitarian mission in international waters off the coast of Gaza.

READ: Mandla Mandela Among 19 Activists Abducted by Israeli Navy on Global Sumud Flotilla |

A Direct Appeal and a Legal Accusation

President Ramaphosa did not mince words, describing the flotilla's interception as “another grave offence by Israel of global solidarity and sentiment.” He explicitly called for the release of the detained South Africans, who include Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela (Mandla Mandela), acclaimed author Zukiswa Wanner, and activist Reaaz Moolla. The status of other South nationals, Zaheera Soomar, Fatima Hendricks, and Carrie Shelver, is still pending confirmation.

“On behalf of our Government and nation, I call on Israel to immediately release the South Africans abducted in international waters, and to release other nationals who have tried to reach Gaza with humanitarian aid,” President Ramaphosa stated.

The Core Legal Violations

The South African President’s statement laid out a clear legal argument against Israel’s actions, pinpointing two critical breaches:

1. Violation of National Sovereignty: President Ramaphosa emphasized that “The interception of the flotilla in international waters is contrary to international law and violates the sovereignty of every nation whose flag was flown on the dozens of vessels in the flotilla.” This frames the event not just as an attack on activists, but as an affront to the international community itself.
2. Contempt of the ICJ: In a highly significant escalation of the diplomatic rhetoric, Ramaphosa stated that Israel’s action “violates an International Court of Justice injunction that humanitarian aid must be allowed to flow unimpeded.” This directly links the flotilla incident to the ongoing ICJ case, where South Africa has accused Israel of violating the Genocide Convention.

Humanitarian Intent vs. Military Confrontation

Reinforcing the flotilla's peaceful purpose, President Ramaphosa sought to dismantle any narrative of provocation. He clarified that the mission was one of solidarity, not confrontation.

“South Africa calls on Israel to ensure that the life-saving cargo transported by this flotilla reaches the people of Gaza,” he said, aligning the government’s position with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights' call for Israel to urgently lift the blockade.

Solidarity with the Abducted and Their Families

Concluding his statement, the President expressed his personal concern for the wellbeing of the detained activists. “My thoughts are with all of the abductees and their families and it is my expectation that Israel will release the human rights activists as these abductions serve no purpose in the context of efforts to secure peace in the Middle East.”

This forceful intervention from South Africa’s head of state significantly raises the diplomatic stakes of the flotilla incident, transforming it from a maritime altercation into a focal point of international legal and humanitarian dispute.