The South African government has expressed concern over the safety of its citizens and other participants aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla following reports of Israeli naval interceptions and drone activity near the civilian-led convoy currently navigating the Mediterranean Sea.
In a statement on Thursday, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said it was closely monitoring the situation, emphasizing that the security and physical integrity of all unarmed participants – including South African citizens – was of paramount importance.
“Any military engagement with or forceful detention of these vessels in international waters would constitute a grave breach of international legal norms and fundamental human rights,” DIRCO warned, urging all actors to adhere strictly to international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and relevant humanitarian principles.
Launched in June, the Global Sumud Flotilla is an international civil society initiative aimed at delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza, raising awareness of the territory’s urgent needs and advocating for an end to the conflict.
Despite reported interceptions, several vessels remain en route to the Palestinian territory.
South Africa reiterated its call for restraint and cautioned against unilateral actions that could escalate tensions or endanger lives.
