Thursday, 25 September 2025.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) stands in support of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a historic humanitarian mission to break the criminal blockade of Gaza and deliver desperately needed aid to a population enduring genocide. The flotilla, organised by a coalition of international civil society organisations, has drawn together activists, doctors, writers, faith leaders, and ordinary citizens from over 40 countries who are united by a commitment to justice and the right of Palestinians to live with dignity and freedom.

The mission has already faced extraordinary hostility. The flotilla has sailed from ports in Barcelona and Tunis, enduring Israeli drone attacks, communication jamming, explosions at sea, and persistent harassment designed to break their resolve. In one of the most serious incidents, the lead vessel was struck by an incendiary device dropped from a drone while docked in Tunisia, setting part of the boat on fire. These are deliberate acts of aggression against a civilian humanitarian mission, and they reflect the desperation of an apartheid state intent on silencing solidarity.

Among the flotilla’s passengers are ten South Africans, whose presence represents the traditions of anti-apartheid struggle, Pan-African solidarity, and resistance against injustice. They include Mandla Mandela, former Member of Parliament and grandson of Nelson Mandela, Zukiswa Wanner, an acclaimed writer and activist, and medical doctors Dr. Jared Sacks, Dr. Fatima Hendricks and Dr. Zaheera Soomar. Collectively, these ten South Africans embody the principle that our liberation is incomplete until all oppressed peoples are free.

The attacks on the flotilla are taking place at a time when the United Nations Commission of Inquiry has confirmed that Israel’s actions in Gaza constitute genocide, with mass civilian casualties, destruction of infrastructure, and denial of humanitarian relief. The flotilla is therefore not only an act of solidarity, but a necessary response to a moral and legal emergency. This comes as more countries, including France, have formally recognised Palestine as a state, joining Spain, Ireland, Australia and others in affirming the right of Palestinians to sovereignty and freedom.

Italy and Spain have even deployed naval vessels to monitor and protect the flotilla, recognising that civilian humanitarian missions cannot be left vulnerable to state terror. While the EFF commends these efforts, we call for further action by urging other neighbouring countries, particularly Greece and others in the Mediterranean, to follow the example of Italy and Spain by deploying naval ships to guarantee the safe passage of the flotilla and to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches Gaza without obstruction.

The deployment of naval ships by states becomes increasingly important as Apartheid Israel begins a propaganda campaign by labelling this non-violent civilian mission as a “Hamas-flotilla” and provocation, language Israel routinely uses when exposed for genocidal actions, or before it conducts acts of violence and murder against innocent people.

The Global Sumud Flotilla is an important declaration of humanity’s refusal to accept genocide, apartheid, and imperial domination. The EFF, therefore, reaffirms its solidarity with Palestine, with the heroic participants of the flotilla.

ISSUED BY ECONOMIC FREEDOM FIGHTERS

Sinawo Thambo (National Spokesperson) 072 629 7422

Thembi Msane (National Spokesperson) 061 467 8169

Andiswa Madikazi (Parliament Media Liason) 069 516 4924

Thato Lebyane (Media Inquiries) 078 563 1581