Ofure Akhigbe
Hundreds of South Africans on Friday staged protests outside the Israeli embassy in Pretoria, demanding the release of activists detained during Israel’s interception of the “Global Sumud Flotilla” and calling on their government to sever diplomatic ties with Israel.
The demonstrators, waving Palestinian flags and carrying placards condemning Israel’s military actions, urged the South African government to shut down the Israeli embassy and expel the ambassador. The protest was triggered by Israel’s recent seizure of an aid flotilla bound for Gaza.
Protester Nkrumah Kgagudi described the detentions as part of a broader pattern of human rights violations. “What we are saying is that it’s not just an abduction of individuals, but a perpetration of a crime against humanity,” he said.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, one of the largest aid missions aimed at breaking Israel’s blockade of Gaza, was intercepted late on Wednesday. The flotilla, consisting of at least 44 civilian boats carrying about 500 activists, was boarded by Israeli naval forces, who detained the volunteers and transported them to Israel.
By Thursday afternoon, the Israeli military announced that all but one vessel, the Marinette, had been seized. The final vessel was later brought under Israeli control, ending the flotilla’s attempt to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Friday’s protest reflects South Africa’s firm position on the conflict. The government has been a vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause and a leading critic of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. Earlier this year, Pretoria took Israel to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing it of committing genocide — a charge Israel has denied.
The government’s case at the ICJ has fueled public sentiment, with citizens urging stronger action against Israel, including the closure of its embassy.
Organizers said further demonstrations are planned across the country in the coming days, as public outrage over the Gaza conflict and the detention of the flotilla activists continues to grow.