Gaza flotilla: Govt urged to help secure release of 7 SA activists intercepted by Israel

There are more calls for government to take action to help secure the release of seven South African activists intercepted by Israeli forces on board a vessel to deliver aid in Gaza.

Israel's foreign ministry said several vessels that form part of the Global Sumud Flotilla have been "safely stopped" and that those aboard were being transferred to an Israeli port.

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Israel said the flotilla was "violating a lawful naval blockade" that covers the waters next to Gaza, though it is unclear if the boats had entered the blockade zone.

But the activists said the interception was "illegal" and "not an act of defence" but "a brazen act of desperation."

Mandla Mandela, who is among the activists on the Global Sumud Flotilla, recorded a video warning of his alleged abduction byIsraeli forces.

The African Transformation Movement (ATM)’s Zama Ntshona said something had to be done urgently.

"We call upon the South African government to take immediate action to secure their unconditional release. We cannot remain passive in the face of such violence and such violation.

"Therefore, we urge our fellow South Africans to consider a consumer boycott of goods connected to Israel and advocate for the temporary closure of the Israeli embassy in South Africa."