Ramaphosa calls on Israeli govt to release South Africans detained during flotilla interception

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on the Israeli government to release South Africans and other nationals detained during the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla.

The flotilla, a convoy of humanitarian vessels headed to Gaza with essential aid, was intercepted on Wednesday.

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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 that zone.

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

The Presidency said the seizure of the vessels in international waters, off the coast of Gaza, reinforces Israel's ongoing violation of international law and the infliction of suffering, including starvation, on the Palestine people.

Three South Africans have been confirmed detained by Israeli forces, with government waiting for confirmation on the abduction of three other activists.

The president is calling for their immediate release and to allow aid to flow unimpeded.