Activist on Gaza flotilla pleads with SA govt to intervene after Israeli interception

Cape Town
Carlo Petersen

Carlo Petersen

3 October 2025 | 5:46

The flotilla, which consists of about 50 boats carrying aid to Gaza, was blocked from reaching the port of Gaza on Thursday.

Activist on Gaza flotilla pleads with SA govt to intervene after Israeli interception

Activists taking part in the Global Sumud Flotilla, bound for the Gaza Strip to break Israel's blockade on the Palestinian territory, ride aboard a sailboat departing from Tunisia's northern port of Bizerte on 13 September 2025. Picture: FETHI BELAID/AFP

An activist on the Global Sumud Flotilla has pleaded with the South African government to intervene after the Israeli intercepted the flotilla's boats as it approached Gaza.

The flotilla, which consists of about 50 boats carrying aid to Gaza, was blocked from reaching the port of Gaza on Thursday.

ALSO READ: Activist aboard flotilla says Israel still intercepting remaining boats

Israel's foreign ministry said the flotilla was warned about approaching an active combat zone and the captured passengers will now be deported.

Ten South Africans are among the group, including Mandla Mandela, Nelson Mandela's grandson.

Reporting from the flotilla on Thursday, activist Madison Bannon pleaded with the South African government to intervene.

"We are calling on the South African government and Cyril Ramaphosa to ensure the safety of our delegates. Get them home as soon as possible. To ensure that the aid that they carried continues to Gaza and is not held illegally by Israel."

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