The Royal House of Mandela (RHoM) has amplified growing calls for the release of all detainees intercepted by Israeli forces who were en route to Gaza as part of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF). This plea comes on the heels of widespread public support for the release of Nkosi Mandla Mandela, along with fellow South Africans Vukiswa Wanner, Dr Fatima Hendricks, Reaaz Moola, Zaheera Soomar, and Carolyn Shelver, all of whom remain in custody.
In a statement, RHoM expressed its gratitude for the international solidarity that has arisen during this challenging period. “Our thoughts and prayers are with all the families during this difficult time. Our message to them is that you can be proud of our heroes who merely acted on the UN and ICJ injunctions to ensure immediate free and unfettered flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza,” the statement read.
Of particular concern is the alleged abuse faced by detainee Greta Thunberg, with reports of torture, humiliation, and mistreatment circulating on social media. “We call on the government of Sweden to make an urgent intervention to secure her safety, dignity and release. Let us hear the voice of the people of Sweden and all freedom-loving people of the world demanding her immediate release,” RHoM asserted.
The organisation also highlighted the plight of over 10 000 Palestinian political prisoners currently held in Israeli prisons under precarious conditions, often lacking basic needs such as clean water, sanitation, and healthcare. A clarion call was made for their immediate release, reinforcing the need for intensified global actions against what RHoM brands as a “genocidal Zionist Israeli entity.”
In a powerful reiteration of Nelson Mandela’s legacy, RHoM underscored its commitment to championing the rights of the Palestinian people, ardently supporting their struggle for self-determination. “We will not stand by idly witnessing the daily forced starvation of babies, children, infants, women, the elderly and innocent civilians,” they stated. “This is inhumane, despicable and murderous and an act of extreme terror.”
RHoM has called upon the United Nations, International Court of Justice (ICJ), and progressive governments globally to uphold international law and take urgent measures to prevent starvation-related deaths among Gazans.
Expressing optimism, RHoM welcomed the recent release of 137 detainees and expressed confidence in the imminent return of all GSF detainees.
The South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) confirmed that a specialist team has been in contact with the South African delegation at the Negev Israeli Prison facility, reporting that the detainees are in good health and high spirits, with procedures advancing for their safe return home.
Saturday Star