"Break the Blockade and End the Siege": Nelson Mandela's Grandson Speaks from Gaza Aid Flotilla
As the Israeli blockade of Gaza continues, a nearly 50-boat flotilla carrying humanitarian aid is currently some 150 nautical miles from Gaza. The grandson of Nelson Mandela, Nkosi Zwelivelile "Mandla" Mandela, speaks with Democracy Now! from the Global Sumud Flotilla.
South Africans "are beneficiaries of international solidarity. Those that rallied behind our cause and stood side by side in supporting the anti-apartheid movement ensured that we attained our freedom in our lifetime," says Mandela. "This is why today we utilize our voice to support the oppressed and most vulnerable nations across the globe."
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In May 2025, a flotilla ship was attacked by drones operated by "unknown actors" off the coast of Malta. Both Malta and Cyprus offered assistance as fires broke out and the hull was damaged.
In June, the Madleen Flotilla was illegally intercepted in international waters by Israeli forces and all the 12 crew abducted to Israel, detained and "deported".
The current Sumud Flotilla has been attacked three times so far. Likely by the same "unknown actors". 
Of course people will remember the 2010 flotilla of 10 ships, also formed to break the Gaza blockade. One of the ships, the Mavi Marmara, was violently intercepted by Israeli forces, who killed 10 crew members. A UN investigation determined that they were all killed by gunshot and that six of the dead were the victims of summary execution. There was no further accountability due to Israel's lack of cooperation.
Not only are these men and women persistent, they are very brave.
