Six South African activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla, detained by Israeli authorities while attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, returned home on Wednesday in Johannesburg.   

Six South African activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla, detained by Israeli authorities while attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, returned home on Wednesday in Johannesburg.

The group, which included Mandla Mandela, grandson of late President Nelson Mandela, was greeted by hundreds of supporters waving Palestinian flags and holding placards reading "Children need love, not bombs." They arrived in Jordan on Tuesday before returning home.

Addressing a press briefing at OR Tambo International Airport, Mandela appeared emotional as he recounted their long and difficult journey, saying that the focus should remain on the people of Palestine, who have endured atrocities under the Israeli government for years.

"Ours was a humanitarian mission to break the blockade and end the siege and get aid to Gaza," he said, noting that there was no violence accompanying their actions.

Mandela said that the Israeli government intercepted dozens of their boats in international waters, calling it a violation of international law and human rights.

During six days of detention, Mandela said, they were subjected to dehumanizing conditions, including being denied food and the opportunity to shower.

He said that following their arrest, they were handcuffed with wires tied tightly behind their backs and "paraded." "We were taken to detention and denied food, but it's nothing compared to what Palestinians have been subjected to," Mandela noted.

Israel imposed a blockade on Gaza in 2007 after Hamas seized control of the enclave. The restrictions were further tightened following Hamas's cross-border assault into southern Israel in October 2023.

In response to the blockade, activists from around the world established the Global Sumud Flotilla to deliver humanitarian aid and medical supplies to the people of Gaza.

The flotilla, made up of nearly 50 civilian boats carrying about 500 activists from multiple countries, had spent time in the waters before being detained by the Israeli authorities.■