A South African activist based in Kenya has been detained by Israeli forces after joining a humanitarian flotilla bound for Gaza.
Ms Zukiswa Wanner, 49, was part of the Global Sumud Flotilla that set sail with food and medical supplies for Palestinians under blockade. The mission, involving over 50 vessels and participants from more than 40 countries, was intercepted in international waters on the night of 1 October.
Her husband, Kenyan writer and publisher James Murua, has appealed for urgent intervention from the Kenyan government and the African Union to secure her release. In an open letter, he described the flotilla’s journey as fraught with difficulties, including sabotage attempts, before it was finally stopped by Israeli forces.
“I appeal to Kenya and the AU to do everything in their power to secure the release of her and others kidnapped by the Israeli regime,” Murua wrote. He also called on African writers, activists and “anyone of good conscience” to raise their voices for Gaza.
Born in Lusaka and raised in Harare, Wanner is a prominent writer and activist with a long record of supporting the Palestinian cause. She previously returned the Goethe Medal in protest against Germany’s stance on Israel and has authored a book on Palestinian life under occupation.
Israel has dismissed the flotilla as a Hamas-backed provocation, insisting that none of the vessels will be allowed to enter Gaza. Officials said the intercepted passengers are “safe and in good health” and will be deported to Europe.
The detention comes amid intensifying calls from the international community for a ceasefire and a renewed push for a two-state solution to the decades-long conflict.
