Former Member of Parliament Mandla Mandela’s son has delivered a heartfelt message to his father, who was captured by Israeli forces.
Mandela, an activist on board the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), was sailing to break the siege on Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid.
All 42 boats in the flotilla were intercepted in international waters, and their occupants were detained by Israel.
CALLS FOR MANDELA TO BE RELEASED
In the video, Mandela’s son expressed how much he misses his father and pleaded for his safe return. Mandela’s wife, Nosekeni Rabia, shared alongside the clip: “He misses you dearly. We demand that you are released unharmed!”
The Royal House of Mandela has called for the release of Nelson Mandela’s grandson. It urged the international community to take meaningful action against Israel for this act. The Royal House condemned the interception of the GSF, describing it as a flagrant violation of international maritime law. It also added that it is a direct challenge to rulings by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which mandate the establishment of humanitarian aid corridors.
Echoing these concerns, the Nelson Mandela Foundation also called for the release of all activists.
“We cannot remain silent when humanitarian initiatives are obstructed and when those working to advance human dignity are detained. The Foundation stands against injustice wherever it manifests and advocates for the rights of those most vulnerable,” the organisation said.
MARINETTE INTERCEPTED
Meanwhile, the last GSF boat, the Marinette, was intercepted on Friday, 3 October, about 42.5 nautical miles (approximately 78.7 km) from Gaza. Despite this, the GSF insists the interceptions will not halt its mission.
“Our determination to confront Israel’s atrocities and stand with the Palestinian people remains unshaken. As people rise in cities worldwide to demand an end to these horrors and to stand for humanity, we rise together with one voice: We will not stop until the genocide ends. We will not stop until Palestine is free,” said the GSF organisers.
