SA flotilla activists demand tougher sanctions against Israel after detention
Calls are mounting for the South African government to act tough against the Israeli government following the return of activists involved in the Global Sumud Flotilla mission.
The mission was recently intercepted by Israeli naval forces. On their return, these activists urged the South African government and the international community to escalate their efforts in imposing sanctions against the Israeli government.
The six activists, including Nelson Mandela’s grandson, Mandla Mandela, were abducted in international waters while on their way to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
As scores gathered to welcome them, the group was treated to a hero’s welcome as pro-Palestine supporters turned up in their numbers to welcome them back from the OR Tambo International Airport on Wednesday morning.
Speaking to the media on Saturday, Jared Sacks, one of the organisers, said that despite South Africa having taken Israel to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), more needs to be done to bring about freedom to the people of Palestine.
“The South African government has an important role to play in taking Israel to the ICJ in charging it with genocide and standing up against Israel. However, the government can do more to end trade in coal and other goods. They must sanction Israel and arrest all South Africans who are serving illegally in the Israeli army. South Africa does not allow its people to fight in the Israeli army. So, these people must be arrested. For some reason, the South African government is not doing that. The South African government must also adopt the same resolution that has been adopted by the Colombian government, which is to send an armed force to Gaza to expel the Israeli army, ” Sacks said.
Mandela told the media that all those who are in support of the genocide and ethnic cleansing of innocent Palestinians must be arrested.
“We call on the South African government, which has been able to take apartheid Israel to the ICJ and ICC (International Criminal Court), to arrest all those who are complicit in fueling the genocide and selling coal to apartheid Israel.
“We call on the government to ensure that all those who participated in the genocide in apartheid Israel, who have enabled the IOF (Israeli Occupation Forces) to carry on its genocide and systematic ethnic cleansing of Palestinians to be arrested and prosecuted,” Mandela said.
On their abduction, Mandela indicated that more than 8 000 activists were denied access to food and other basic human rights.
“Some flights were cancelled here at OR Tambo by preventing many of our comrades from participating in the mission. They were denied entry at Cairo Airport at the second checkpoint. Therefore, we failed to get to the Rafa border crossing to get the much-needed humanitarian aid,” he said.
Nazreena Hassim, speaking on behalf of the Health Care Workers for Palestine-South Africa (HCW4P-SA), welcomed the return of the team, saying the safe release of the South African delegates from the Global Sumud Flotilla is encouraging in light of the deaths of women and children at the hands of the armed forces.
“HCW4P-SA welcomes and commends their courage in standing for justice and humanity. However, our relief is tempered by the continued horror unfolding in Gaza. The genocide persists, and the collective punishment of Palestinians remains intolerable. We reaffirm our unwavering solidarity with the people of Palestine until freedom, dignity, and justice are achieved for all,” said Hassim.
Responding to mounting pressure for the South African government to act against the Israeli government and those aiding the genocide, Department of International Relations spokesperson Chrispin Phiri, stated: “We co-chair The Hague group, we have a full appreciation of what other initiatives are required, and these are being considered for implementation.”
On the safe arrival of the group, Phiri said: “The Department of International Relations and Co-operation confirms the safe arrival of the Flotilla activists in Jordan. Our Ambassador, Her Excellency Tselane Mokuena, was present to receive the delegation on behalf of the Republic,” he said.
siyabonga.sithole@inl.co.za