South Africans Protest, Demand Israeli Embassy Closure And Release of Detained Flotilla Activists

A wave of protest swept through South Africa on Friday as demonstrators gathered 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.

Holding pro-Palestinian signs and flags, protesters voiced strong condemnation of Israel’s military actions. Their main demands were for the South African government to shut down the Israeli embassy and expel its ambassador.

The protests were triggered by Israel’s recent seizure of an aid flotilla bound for Gaza. Protester Nkrumah Kgagudi framed the detentions as part of a broader pattern of alleged violations, saying, “What we are saying is that it’s not just an abduction of individuals, but it’s a perpetration of a crime committed against humanity.”

The demonstrations came in response to Israel’s military operation against the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), one of the largest civilian aid missions to attempt to break Israel’s blockade of the Gaza Strip. The flotilla, consisting of at least 44 boats carrying about 500 activists, was intercepted late on Wednesday. Israeli forces boarded and took control of the vessels, detaining volunteers and transporting them to Israel.

By noon on Thursday, the Israeli military announced that all but one vessel, the Marinette, had been secured. The final vessel was later boarded and brought under Israeli control, marking the end of the flotilla’s attempt to deliver aid.

The protests reflect South Africa’s long-standing support for the Palestinian cause and its strong opposition to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. The South African government has accused Israel of genocide at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), a charge Israel denies.

Public anger has intensified as the case progresses, with citizens urging their leaders to take firmer action. Organisers have announced that further demonstrations are planned nationwide in the coming days, maintaining pressure on both the Israeli and South African governments over the conflict in Gaza and the detained activists.

Faridah Abdulkadiri

Source: Arise