In a shocking development, five South African activists have reported that they were abducted by the Israeli military while attempting to deliver critical humanitarian aid to Gaza. This message, sent in a plea for help, highlights what they describe as a blatant violation of international law and an immoral act by Israel.
The five individuals, who joined the Global Sumud Flotilla along with hundreds of other volunteers from around the globe, have made it clear that their mission was to break the suffocating blockade imposed on Gaza, which has led to severe deprivation and suffering for its residents.
“If you are reading this message, we have been kidnapped by the Israeli military and prevented from delivering essential humanitarian aid to Gaza,” their statement reads, urging immediate action for their release.
Since 2007, Gaza has been subjected to a partial blockade, which, following the recent escalation in violence and the Israeli government’s declaration of a starvation policy in October 2023, has become almost total.
The consequences have been devastating; the blockade has deeply affected the infrastructure, leaving schools, hospitals, and essential services on the brink of collapse, with reports indicating that hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have been killed or maimed in the ongoing conflict.
With indignation, the South African activists asserted their rights under international humanitarian law, stating, “Israel has no right to starve the people of Gaza by preventing humanitarian aid from reaching Palestinian territory.”
They reminded the world that any action taken against vessels in international waters, including their current predicament, is illegal and demands accountability.
The call for immediate governmental action resonates strongly with their appeal. On September 16, 2025, 16 nations, including South Africa, expressed unequivocal support for the Flotilla’s mission and warned against violations of international law regarding its participants. The activists demand that their government take a firm stand by imposing sanctions on Israel and ceasing all trade relations, particularly given that South Africa is one of Israel’s largest trading partners in Africa.
Moreover, they called for accountability for South African citizens who have joined the Israeli military, citing their involvement in what they term as genocide. They argue that there should be serious legal repercussions for such actions, which are in direct violation of South African laws.
In their impassioned plea, they urge South Africa to collaborate with Colombia in invoking United Nations General Assembly Resolution 377A(V). This would authorise an international armed peacekeeping force from non-Zionist nations to intervene, secure a humanitarian corridor, and facilitate urgent assistance for the beleaguered residents of Gaza. “Our voices must echo in unison with those who are suffering. We stand for the right to life and freedom for all,” they declared.
The narrative they share is a stark reminder of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region. The activists acknowledge that their personal plight, while urgent, pales in comparison to the millions living under the relentless siege in Gaza. “We demand that our government will work to ensure our speedy release from Israeli prison. But this is not enough. Just as important is that it takes real action to end the blockade and stop the genocide.”
Their statement concludes with a powerful call to action: “Break the siege. End the genocide. Free Palestine.” As the world watches, the need for urgent humanitarian intervention and global solidarity grows ever more pressing.
