JOHANNESBURG - President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on the Israeli government to immediately release South African citizens and other detainees.
Mandla Mandela, Zukwswa Wanner and Reaaz Moolla were intercepted on their way to deliver humanitarian aid to war-torn Gaza.
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They were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which seeks to break Israel's blockade on Gaza.
Israel claims the vessels were safely stopped from approaching an active combat zone, but members of the flotilla claim force and aggressive contact was used during the interception.
Wanner released a video pleading for rescue from the South African government.