South African Activists Return Home Claiming Mistreatment by Israel

Six activists detained aboard a Gaza aid flotilla say they were subjected to harsher treatment due to South Africa’s legal case against Israel at the world’s top court.

Six South African activists have returned home after being detained by Israeli authorities during an attempt to reach Gaza aboard an international aid flotilla. The activists, part of a humanitarian mission to deliver symbolic relief to the besieged territory, said they experienced harsher treatment compared to other detainees. Their claims have stirred public debate and intensified already strained diplomatic relations between Pretoria and Tel Aviv.

Flotilla Intercepted En Route to Gaza

The six South Africans were among approximately 450 international activists aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, a fleet of 42 boats seeking to challenge Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza and deliver aid to the famine-hit territory. Israeli forces intercepted the flotilla before it could reach its destination, detaining the participants and transporting them to Israel.

South Africans Claim Targeted Mistreatment

Upon arrival at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on Wednesday, the activists shared harrowing accounts of their experience. They said that after Israeli guards saw their South African passports, they were treated more harshly than others. “When they saw our passports, this is how we were treated as South Africans,” said activist Zaheera Soomar.

Connection to Genocide Case Against Israel

South Africa’s legal action at International Court of Justice (ICJ) was cited as the reason for the differential treatment. Since 2023, Pretoria has accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza a case that remains ongoing at the UN’s top court. According to Mandla Mandela, grandson of the late Nelson Mandela and one of the activists on the flotilla, “We were harshly dealt with because our country has dared to confront apartheid Israel at the ICJ and ICC.”

Women Activists Describe Humiliating Searches

South African activists Fatima Hendricks and Zaheera Soomar said their hijabs were forcibly removed while they were detained something they did not witness happening to other Muslim female activists. “Both of us were forced behind a screen, our heads pushed against the wall and completely stripped naked in front of Israeli soldiers. This did not happen to other women,” Soomar recounted. Their testimony has drawn outrage from South African civil society groups, who are demanding accountability and international scrutiny.

Israel Denies Abuse Allegations

Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly denied the accusations of mistreatment. Officials stated that all activists were processed according to standard legal procedures and were given the option to voluntarily accept deportation without detention. “All participants were treated equally, regardless of nationality,” the ministry said in a statement.

South African Government Expected to Respond

The incident has prompted calls for a formal diplomatic response from Government of South Africa. Legal and human rights groups are urging the government to raise the matter with international institutions. Observers note that the tension comes at a sensitive moment in the genocide case South Africa is pursuing, making the allegations of targeted mistreatment politically charged.

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Humanitarian Mission Ends in Controversy

The activists’ involvement in the flotilla was part of a broader civil society movement aimed at challenging Israel’s blockade on Gaza and raising global awareness of the worsening humanitarian crisis. Although the flotilla was intercepted, organizers say the mission succeeded in drawing international attention to the plight of Gazans and the ongoing legal battles surrounding the conflict.

Global Reactions and Next Steps

Human rights organizations have begun calling for an independent investigation into the activists’ claims. The incident may further strain Israel South Africa relations, which have been tense since the ICJ case began. Activists say they plan to share their experiences with global media and international legal bodies to push for accountability.

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