South African Member of Parliament Mandla Mandela, grandson of Nelson Mandela, is en route to join the Global Sumud Flotilla as it seeks to challenge Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza and deliver urgently needed humanitarian aid.

The flotilla, which departed Spanish and Italian ports earlier this week, is currently regrouping in Tunisia ahead of its eastward push toward Gaza.

The flotilla, comprising over 50 vessels from at least 44 countries, departed from Spanish ports, including Barcelona, on August 31, 2025, and is now rallying in Tunis, Tunisia, before advancing to Gaza. Despite temporary delays due to Mediterranean winds exceeding 30 knots, the coalition of activists, politicians, artists, and humanitarians remains resolute in delivering vital aid and exposing the catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The flotilla, named “Sumud” (Arabic for “steadfastness”), represents an unprecedented alliance of over 15,000 participants, including prominent figures like Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, American actress Susan Sarandon, and Irish actor Liam Cunningham. Carrying essential supplies such as food, medical aid, and baby formula, the mission seeks to alleviate the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza, where Israel’s 18-year blockade has fueled famine, displacement, and death. Organizers, led by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition and the Global Movement to Gaza, demand an end to the siege, which they condemn as a violation of international law, and call for safe passage to deliver aid directly to Gaza’s shores.

Speaking at Johannesburg Airport on September 4, Mandla Mandela drew a searing parallel between Palestine and South Africa’s apartheid era, declaring, “Palestinians are enduring an apartheid far worse than what we faced. The world must act with the same urgency that ended our oppression—through global pressure and sanctions.” His words echo the sentiments of South Africa’s delegation, which includes journalist Yusuf Omar and writer Zukiswa Wanner, who see their mission as a continuation of the anti-apartheid struggle.

Israel’s blockade, which restricts Gaza’s 2.3 million residents from accessing basic necessities, has drawn widespread condemnation. The flotilla’s mission follows South Africa’s landmark genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), filed in December 2023. On January 26, 2024, the ICJ ordered Israel to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, yet the blockade persists, exacerbating starvation and suffering. Further, on November 21, 2024, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza, underscoring the urgency of the flotilla’s mission.

Despite Israel’s claims that the blockade prevents weapons smuggling to Hamas, critics argue it serves as collective punishment, devastating Gaza’s civilian population. The Israeli military’s history of violently intercepting flotillas, including the deadly 2010 raid on the MV Mavi Marmara that killed nine activists, looms large. Recent reports indicate Israel conducted naval drills on September 1, 2025, preparing to confront the flotilla, raising fears of further aggression.

Undeterred, the flotilla presses forward. After resuming its journey from Menorca, Spain, on September 4, it is set to unite with additional vessels, including Malaysia’s Sumud Nusantara convoy, in Tunisia. South African activist Dr. Zaheera Soomar, aboard one of the vessels, vowed, “We will keep returning until this illegal siege is broken and a humanitarian corridor is established.” Supported by groups like South African Jews for a Free Palestine and the BDS Coalition, the mission amplifies calls for justice, linking Gaza’s struggle to global movements against oppression.

As the flotilla nears Gaza, expected to arrive by mid-September, it stands as a beacon of hope for Palestinians and a challenge to Israel’s impunity. Mandla Mandela and his fellow activists remain unwavering, determined to dismantle the blockade and deliver freedom to Gaza. (ILKHA)