By Lesedi Sibiya-Diplomatic Insider
“The Department of International Relations and Cooperation has been formally notified by the Israeli authorities regarding the status of the South African citizens who participated in the recent Global Flotilla initiative. We have received confirmation that the individuals in question are scheduled to be released from detention and will be repatriated, departing via Jordan tomorrow morning. Minister Lamola extends his gratitude to all relevant parties both domestically and internationally, for their cooperation and coordination in ensuring the return of the South African citizens” said Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) spokesperson Chrispin Phiri.
DIRCO has confirmed that the 6 South Africans that were abducted by the Israeli navy from the flotilla initiative that aimed at delivering aid to Gaza due to Israel’s blockade, will return home today.
More than 470 activists from around the globe had been detained by Israel’s navy. DIRCO had also expressed that the detainees were still in good health and high morale as they waited to be returned to their home land.
Flotilla participant Lubna Tuma had expressed that 40 activists had begun a hunger strike due to their unlawful detention as well as the Israeli army not allowing any forms of communication between the activists.
“We know at least about 40 activists who are on hunger strike. Some say they prefer that the food rather goes to the people in Gaza. Some are on a water strike until medication is given to all activists who require the medication. That’s the spirit among the activists-unity” said Tuma
. “We have testimonies from activists that refer to verbal humiliations, calling them names, and they were forced to stay in a small room. We got testimonies of authorities throwing medication at the activists; they were denied their medical needs. We also have testimony of physical abuse.” added Tuma.
Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, founder of the Gift of the Givers relief group, told eNCA that the interception of flotilla by Israeli forces was to be expected and inevitable.
“It’s so obvious that they would have been intercepted. Let’s be honest, the Israeli government has no respect for human life. They have no respect for human rights. They cut water, food and bomb innocent children. They kill innocent children, innocent mothers, they make sure that the new generation cannot survive.” said Sooliman when addressing eNCA.