News
October 17, 2025
Israel behaved like apartheid South Africa over Gaza flotilla, says Mandela’s grandson
The grandson of Nelson Mandela has spoken about his detainment by Israel after taking part in a flotilla delivering aid to Gaza
**Mandla Mandela Accuses Israel of Apartheid-Like Behavior Over Gaza Flotilla Incident**
Cape Town, South Africa – Mandla Mandela, grandson of the iconic anti-apartheid revolutionary Nelson Mandela, has strongly criticized Israel's actions following his participation in a humanitarian aid flotilla attempting to reach Gaza. Mandela, a Member of Parliament in South Africa, alleges that Israel's treatment of the activists, including his own detainment, mirrored the oppressive tactics employed by the apartheid regime in South Africa.
Mandela was among a group of international activists who boarded a vessel aiming to break the Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip and deliver essential supplies. The flotilla was intercepted by the Israeli military, and its participants, including Mandela, were subsequently detained.
Speaking after his release and return to South Africa, Mandela described his experience as deeply disturbing. He condemned the interception of the flotilla, asserting that it was a peaceful mission intended to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people living under the blockade. He specifically pointed to the forceful nature of the Israeli military's intervention and the subsequent detention conditions as evidence of a system that he believes echoes the injustices of apartheid.
"What I witnessed and experienced during my detainment was reminiscent of the treatment my grandfather and countless others endured under the apartheid regime," Mandela stated. "The denial of basic human rights, the arbitrary arrests, and the overall disregard for human dignity are all hallmarks of a system that seeks to oppress and dehumanize an entire population."
Mandela's comparison to apartheid South Africa is particularly significant given his family's history and his own prominent role in advocating for human rights and social justice. His comments are likely to further fuel the ongoing debate surrounding Israel's policies towards Gaza and the wider Palestinian territories.
The Israeli government has long defended its blockade of Gaza, citing security concerns and the need to prevent weapons from reaching Hamas, the militant group that controls the territory. However, critics argue that the blockade has devastating humanitarian consequences for the civilian population, severely restricting access to essential goods, medical supplies, and freedom of movement.
Mandela's accusations add a powerful voice to the chorus of international organizations and individuals who are calling for an end to the blockade and a just resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He emphasized his commitment to continuing to advocate for the rights of the Palestinian people and urged the international community to hold Israel accountable for its actions. The incident, he said, has only strengthened his resolve to
Cape Town, South Africa – Mandla Mandela, grandson of the iconic anti-apartheid revolutionary Nelson Mandela, has strongly criticized Israel's actions following his participation in a humanitarian aid flotilla attempting to reach Gaza. Mandela, a Member of Parliament in South Africa, alleges that Israel's treatment of the activists, including his own detainment, mirrored the oppressive tactics employed by the apartheid regime in South Africa.
Mandela was among a group of international activists who boarded a vessel aiming to break the Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip and deliver essential supplies. The flotilla was intercepted by the Israeli military, and its participants, including Mandela, were subsequently detained.
Speaking after his release and return to South Africa, Mandela described his experience as deeply disturbing. He condemned the interception of the flotilla, asserting that it was a peaceful mission intended to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people living under the blockade. He specifically pointed to the forceful nature of the Israeli military's intervention and the subsequent detention conditions as evidence of a system that he believes echoes the injustices of apartheid.
"What I witnessed and experienced during my detainment was reminiscent of the treatment my grandfather and countless others endured under the apartheid regime," Mandela stated. "The denial of basic human rights, the arbitrary arrests, and the overall disregard for human dignity are all hallmarks of a system that seeks to oppress and dehumanize an entire population."
Mandela's comparison to apartheid South Africa is particularly significant given his family's history and his own prominent role in advocating for human rights and social justice. His comments are likely to further fuel the ongoing debate surrounding Israel's policies towards Gaza and the wider Palestinian territories.
The Israeli government has long defended its blockade of Gaza, citing security concerns and the need to prevent weapons from reaching Hamas, the militant group that controls the territory. However, critics argue that the blockade has devastating humanitarian consequences for the civilian population, severely restricting access to essential goods, medical supplies, and freedom of movement.
Mandela's accusations add a powerful voice to the chorus of international organizations and individuals who are calling for an end to the blockade and a just resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He emphasized his commitment to continuing to advocate for the rights of the Palestinian people and urged the international community to hold Israel accountable for its actions. The incident, he said, has only strengthened his resolve to
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World