JOHANNESBURG, May 19 (Xinhua) -- South Africa on Tuesday condemned Israel's illegal abduction of South African nationals aboard the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation said in a statement that the South African government "notes with grave concern" reports that the nationals have been abducted in international waters and may now be facing detention or imprisonment in Israel.
The flotilla, a civilian-led initiative, embarked upon a peaceful and humanitarian mission. Its participants aim to draw attention to the severe and urgent humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people in Gaza and to deliver vital aid.
Such developments raise serious humanitarian, legal, and diplomatic concerns that cannot be treated lightly, the statement said, adding that South Africa has a longstanding commitment to international law, the protection of human rights, and the safety and well-being of its citizens wherever they may be.
South Africa called for restraint, respect for international law, and the immediate protection of the rights, dignity, and safety of all concerned.
Any forceful detention of these vessels in international waters constitutes a grave breach of international legal norms and fundamental human rights, the statement said.
South Africa said it will engage all relevant stakeholders and organizations liaising with the Global Sumud Flotilla as part of efforts to secure the safe and immediate release of those affected.
It further called upon the international community and all relevant parties to uphold their obligations under international law and to ensure the safe and unimpeded passage of humanitarian missions.
On Monday, Israeli naval forces intercepted ships from the Global Sumud Flotilla from reaching Gaza, according to Israeli media. Foreign ministers of 10 countries, namely Indonesia, Türkiye, Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Jordan, Libya, Maldives, Pakistan and Spain, condemned in the strongest terms renewed Israeli assaults on the humanitarian flotilla.
A previous flotilla from the Global Sumud Flotilla was intercepted by Israeli forces on April 30 near the island of Crete. ■