Six SA activists allege nationality-based mistreatment by Israel

Six South African activists who were detained by Israeli forces during an attempt to reach Gaza as part of an international aid flotilla have returned to South Africa and say they were singled out for harsher treatment because of their nationality, officials and the activists said Wednesday. The group, which includes Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandla Mandela, the grandson of Nelson Mandela, was among scores of people taken into custody after Israeli naval forces intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla last week as it attempted to challenge Israel's maritime blockade of the Palestinian territory.

Organizers said the flotilla, which left Spain about a month ago and involved dozens of vessels, was intercepted in international waters. Israeli authorities detained about 440 to 450 people from the fleet, according to the organizers. Israel has said the flotilla was attempting to enter an active combat zone and breach a lawful naval blockade and that activists were being transferred to Israel for deportation. International campaigners on board included Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg.

South African diplomats said they received formal notification from Israeli authorities that the six...