from DION HENRICK in Cape Town
Western Cape Bureau
CAPE TOWN, (CAJ News) – SOUTH Africa’s Parliament has welcomed the release of six activists detained by Israeli authorities while en route to Gaza as part of a humanitarian flotilla mission.
The South African Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation confirmed that the group, members of the Global Sumud Flotilla, had been freed and were returning home via Jordan.
They are expected to arrive in South Africa on Wednesday.
The activists were part of an international convoy attempting to deliver food and medical aid to civilians in Gaza when Israeli forces intercepted and detained them in international waters.
Their arrest drew global condemnation and sparked a diplomatic outcry led by former Member of Parliament Inkosi Zwelivelile Mandela, who called for their immediate release alongside more than 470 other detained activists.
Committee Chairperson Mr. Supra Mahumapelo expressed gratitude for their safe release and reiterated South Africa’s call for peace in the Middle East.
“We are thankful for the release of the six South African activists and we wish them a safe return home,” Mahumapelo said.
“We urge the international community to support the two-state solution to bring lasting peace between Israel and Palestine.”
Mahumapelo lamented the ongoing humanitarian crisis and urged an immediate ceasefire.
“Too many innocent lives — including babies, children and women — have been lost. The conflict must end so that peace and reconstruction can begin.”
The South African government has consistently supported the Palestinian cause and advocates for peaceful dialogue under international law.
– CAJ News