Activist and grandson of Nelson Mandela, Mandla Mandela, who was sailing to Gaza aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, has been kidnapped by Israeli forces who intercepted the flotilla in the early hours of Thursday. Delegates aboard the flotilla, which included South African civilians, were reportedly detained and faced drone and water cannon attacks. Phiri stressed that the safety and security of the flotilla’s participants, including South African citizens, are of paramount importance. “The safety, security, and physical integrity of all unarmed participants aboard the flotilla, including South African citizens, are of paramount importance,” he added. “It must be underscored that the flotilla is a civilian-led initiative, embarked upon a peaceful and humanitarian mission.