By Dylan Bettencourt
- Mayibuye and Melisizwe Mandela condemned Israel’s “unlawful” actions, saying the flotilla was carrying aid and solidarity for the people of Gaza.
- President Cyril Ramaphosa demanded Israel release South Africans taken in international waters, calling the operation a violation of law.
The Mandela family has spoken out after Nkosi Mandla Mandela was detained by Israeli forces during a humanitarian flotilla bound for Gaza.
His cousins, Mayibuye and Melisizwe Mandela, issued a statement on Thursday demanding his release along with nearly 500 activists taken in the raid.
They called Israel’s actions “unlawful and inhumane,” saying the flotilla was a peace-driven mission to deliver aid and show solidarity with Gaza.
“These freedom-loving men and women have shown extraordinary bravery,” the Mandela grandsons said. “History will remember their courage. The struggle of the Palestinian people is our struggle. Until Palestine is free, none of us is free.”
They reminded the world of Nelson Mandela’s words that South Africa’s freedom would remain incomplete without the freedom of Palestine.
The flotilla included activists from across the world, among them climate campaigner Greta Thunberg.
President Cyril Ramaphosa also called on Israel to release all South Africans detained, including Mandla Mandela, Zukiswa Wanner and Reaaz Moolla. The status of three others, Zaheera Soomar, Fatima Hendricks and Carrie Shelver, is still unconfirmed.
Ramaphosa condemned the operation. “The interception of the flotilla in international waters is contrary to international law and violates the sovereignty of every nation whose flag was flown on the vessels,” he said.
Pictured above: Mandla Mandela.
Image source: @nkoszwelivelile
