'Rogue act of piracy' - Palestine Solidarity Campaign demands release of activists abducted by Israel
South Africans among civilians detained in Flotilla Raid; PSC demands immediate release.
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The Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) has strongly condemned the Israeli Defence Forces' (IDF) interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), describing the attack as 'brutal and unlawful' and a direct violation of international law.
The PSC strongly denounced the IDF's actions against the GDF, a peaceful humanitarian operation carrying civilians, including South Africans, dedicated to breaking the genocidal embargo imposed on Gaza.
"This abhorrent act of abduction, piracy and violence against unarmed civilians in international waters constitutes a flagrant violation of international law and an affront to basic human decency.
"Among those unlawfully abducted is Nkosi Zwelivelile "Mandla" Mandela, the grandson of Nelson Mandela, the iconic leader and former South African president, whose only mission was to bring vital humanitarian aid to Gaza. Other South African participants include Dr Fatima Hendricks, Zukiswa Wanner, Dr Zaheera Soomar, Reaaz Moola, Basheerah Soomar, and Carolyn Shelver. In total, about 10 South Africans courageously participated in this mission."
"The GSF is the largest civilian-led maritime convoy in history, comprising over 40 vessels with around 500 participants from more than 44 countries worldwide… These civilians set sail from ports across the Mediterranean in a peaceful effort to break the illegal blockade and deliver desperately needed aid to Gaza," said the PSC.
Israel's interception included the use of drones and water cannons.
"Israel's interception of at least 13 of these vessels overnight, including the abduction of Mandela and other civilians, is a rogue act of piracy and illegal aggression on the high seas.
"The attack with drones and water cannons and the ongoing detention of unarmed civilians blatantly violate international humanitarian law and the binding provisional measures issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) demanding unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza," the organisation said.
The PSC urged South Africa to act decisively, demanding the release of all detained South African citizens and the return of vessels and humanitarian aid.
"It must immediately to demand: The immediate and unconditional release of Mandela, all South African abductees, and every detained participant; the return of all vessels and the seized humanitarian aid; the lifting of the siege and blockade strangling Gaza."
The organisation also called for stronger punitive measures against Israel, including diplomatic expulsions and economic sanctions.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry announced on Thursday that pro-Palestinian activists aboard vessels from the GSF intercepted by Israeli naval forces would be deported to Europe. The ministry accused those on board of being associated with Hamas
"Hamas-Sumud passengers on their yachts are making their way safely and peacefully to Israel, where their deportation procedures to Europe will begin. The passengers are safe and in good health," the ministry said on X.
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