By Becker Semela:
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) has welcomed the safe return of the six South African activists who were detained by Israeli forces after joining the Global Sumud Flotilla on a humanitarian mission to Gaza.
The party commended Nkosi Mandla Mandela, Zukiswa Warner, Carolyn Shelver, Zaheera Soomar, Dr Fatima Hendricks and Reaz Moola for their bravery and their continued solidarity with the people of Palestine.
Humiliated at gunpoint
The UDM Deputy President,Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, said the safe return of these South Africans is a relief to their families and to everyone who values human rights, compassion and justice. However, he added that their ordeal should disturb the conscience of every peace-loving person.
The activists recounted horrific experiences during their detention, including guns pointed at their heads, being humiliated and insulted and being stripped of their religious garments.
Dr Fatima Hendricks, a cancer survivor, described how her hijab was ripped off and how she was mocked by soldiers.
Acts of dehumanisation
“These are not acts of security enforcement; they are acts of dehumanisation that violate the very principles of dignity and justice. As the UDM, we strongly condemned the treatment of the activists. We say that no one should be punished for bringing food, medicine and hope to those in need,” Kwankwa said.
According to the party, humanitarian workers must be protected, not persecuted.
Kwankwa said testimonies of those detained must be recorded and investigated by international human rights bodies so that Israel can be held accountable for any violations of international humanitarian law.
He said this is not merely a political dispute; it is a question of whether the world still believes in the rule of law and in the equal worth of all human beings.
ICJ to deliver an opinion
The incident comes as the International Court of Justice (ICJ) prepares to deliver an advisory opinion on Israel’s obligations in the occupied Palestinian territories.
South Africa initiated the case, arguing that Israel’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank amount to breaches of the Genocide Convention and other international laws.
“Let us remember that the ICJ’s earlier orders required Israel to prevent acts that could amount to genocide and to allow unhindered humanitarian access. The Court’s upcoming decision is not just about law; it is about humanity.
It continues the legal and moral stand that South Africa took to defend the oppressed, just as others once stood with us during apartheid,” said Kwankwa.
ICJ authority must be affirmed
The UDM called on the South African government to continue playing a leading role in defending the authority of the ICJ and ensuring that its rulings are respected globally.
“Our support for Palestine is not about politics but about justice, accountability and the preservation of human dignity. The activists’ courage must inspire renewed commitment to peace and solidarity across the world.
Not charity but an act of conscience
“Their mission was not an act of charity; it was an act of conscience. True peace in the Middle East can only come through justice, respect for human rights and adherence to international law,” Kwankwa said.
The UDM reaffirmed its stance that peace without justice is impossible and that the protection of civilians and the upholding of human dignity must remain at the centre of all international efforts for peace. – @NewsSA _Online
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