Stronger sanctions against Israel are demanded by SA flotilla activists following their detention
CALLS FOR ACTION
Mandla Mandela and a group of activists who were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla mission returned to a hero's welcome at the OR Tambo International Airport on Wednesday.
Image: Itumeleng English Independent Newspapers
Following the return of activists involved in the Global Sumud Flotilla mission, there has been a growing call for the South African government to take tough action against Israel.
Israeli naval forces recently intercepted the mission. Upon their return, these activists called on the international community and the South African government to intensify their efforts to impose sanctions on the Israeli government.
While traveling to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, the six activists—among them Mandla Mandela, the grandson of Nelson Mandela—were kidnapped in international waters.
The group was given a hero's welcome as pro-Palestine supporters flocked to greet them upon their return from the OR Tambo International Airport on Wednesday morning.
In an interview with the media on Saturday, one of the organizers, Jared Sacks, stated that although South Africa had brought Israel before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), more work needed to be done to free the Palestinian people.
"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.
Mandla Mandela during a press briefing following his return from the Global Flotilla Sumud mission which was intercepted by armed Israeli forces.
Image: Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers
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.