The United Nations has expressed hope that those people aboard the Gaza Sumud Flotilla vessels detained by Israel would have their rights respected and not harmed.

Reports suggest Israel has taken control over 41 vessels and detained over 400 activists, including some South Africans.

President Cyril Ramaphosa earlier called on Israel to release the activists including Nkosi Zwelivelile “Mandla” Mandela.

UN Spokesperson Farhan Haq said people carrying humanitarian aid should be left alone.

“We want to make sure that all civilians are treated fairly and are not harmed. Our belief is that people who are simply carrying humanitarian aid should be left alone. We are aware of the different countries, the different fleets and different ships who have been involved in this. Obviously, at the center of it is the right of people to draw attention to humanitarian crisis. And we wanted them to be able to do that without harm,” says Haq.

Flotilla | Intercepted vessels arrive in Israel: