President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on Israel to immediately release South Africans detained during the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which set sail for Gaza last month carrying humanitarian aid and international activists.

The flotilla, made up of about 45 vessels, included prominent figures such as Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela and Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg. Its mission was to break the blockade of Gaza, where the United Nations has confirmed famine conditions.

On Wednesday, the Israeli navy began intercepting vessels, insisting they were entering waters covered by its naval blockade. Israel has since announced that the activists will be deported to Europe.

In a strongly worded statement, President Ramaphosa said Israel’s actions were in breach of international law and contrary to an injunction from the International Court of Justice requiring that humanitarian aid be allowed to flow into Gaza without obstruction.

“The interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla is another grave offence by Israel against global solidarity and humanitarian efforts. On behalf of our government and nation, I call on Israel to immediately release the South Africans abducted in international waters, and to release other nationals who have tried to reach Gaza with humanitarian aid,” he said.

The President further stressed that the flotilla symbolised global solidarity with Gaza rather than confrontation with Israel. He urged Israel to allow the life-saving cargo to reach Palestinians in desperate need.