The South African non-profit legacy institution says it cannot stay silent when humanitarian efforts are blocked and \u201cdefenders of human dignity\u201d are detained<\/p>\n
The Nelson Mandela Foundation, a non-profit legacy institution established in memory of South Africa\u2019s first black president, has condemned Israel\u2019s interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla on humanitarian missions to Gaza, and urged for the immediate release of the detained activists.
\n\u201dThe Nelson Mandela Foundation notes with deep concern the reports that Israeli forces have intercepted boats carrying\u00a0activists\u00a0from many countries and humanitarian aid bound for Gaza,\u201d the organisation said.
\nReports from Novara Media indicate that activists seized by Israeli forces in international waters are likely to be transferred to Ketziot prison in the Negev Desert, a facility long associated with allegations of torture and repeated abuses against Palestinian detainees.
\n\u201dAs an organisation mandated to mobilise Madiba\u2019s legacy for the creation of just societies, both in South Africa and globally, we cannot remain silent when humanitarian initiatives are obstructed and when those working to advance human dignity are detained,\u201d the foundation added.
\nSouth African author Mohale Mashigo also weighed in, directly addressing President Cyril Ramaphosa.<\/p>\n
READ MORE: South Africa demands release of activists \u2018abducted\u2019 by Israel<\/p>\n
\u201dIsrael abducted my friend\u00a0Zukiswa Wanner\u00a0and other members of the Global Sumud Flotilla. They blocked aid and abducted those who were delivering it. That is who you\u2019re selling coal to.\u201d
\nThe foundation went on to emphasise its position by quoting Madiba: \u201cOur freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinian people. Today, we echo that call, standing in solidarity with those who work to alleviate suffering and build just societies, even in the face of repression.\u201d<\/p>\n
Read more<\/p>\n
\u2018I have fought against white and black domination\u2019: This man steered his nation away from civil war<\/p>\n
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) spokesperson Sinawo Thambo also condemned Israel\u2019s actions.
\n\u201dThe\u00a0kidnapping of South African citizens\u00a0by a foreign military force cannot be tolerated,\u201d he said. \u201cAcross the world, outrage is growing\u2026 with ordinary people tired of Israel\u2019s impunity and brutality. No amount of military aggression will stop the global movement for Palestinian liberation.\u201d<\/p>\n
First published by IOL<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The South African non-profit legacy institution says it cannot stay silent when humanitarian efforts are blocked and \u201cdefenders of human dignity\u201d are detained The Nelson Mandela Foundation, a non-profit legacy…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":19597,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rop_custom_images_group":[],"rop_custom_messages_group":[],"rop_publish_now":"initial","rop_publish_now_accounts":[],"rop_publish_now_history":[],"rop_publish_now_status":"pending","footnotes":""},"categories":[4,6,3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-19596","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-economy","category-environment","category-politics"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t