African trade unions have called for the release of detained Freedom Flotilla activists held in Israel.
The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa), in a statement, expressed what it called “deep concern about the continued detention of international peace activists, including human rights defenders and a comrade from UNI Global Union, who were aboard the Freedom Flotilla Coalition ship, the Handala.“
According to a statement by its General Secretary, Comrade Joel Odigie, the “activists were forcibly apprehended by Israeli forces in international waters and brought into Israel against their will, in direct violation of international law.
“The activists, hailing from the United States, Australia, France, the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Sweden, Norway and Tunisia, joined the Handaia as part of a peaceful humanitarian mission to deliver some essential humanitarian supplies such as baby formula, nappies/diapers, food, and medicine to the Palestinian people.
“Several of them remain on hunger strike, protesting their unjust and unlawful detention,“ he said.
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While applauding the courage of the Handala passengers, ITUC-Africa called on the international community, trade unions, civil society organisations, and governments to raise their voices against the detention and to demand accountability.
“ITUC-Africa stands in full solidarity with these activists and with the UNI Global Union demanding their release.
“We recall that in June 2025, the same tribunal upheld the detention of activists from a previous flotilla, despite clear arguments showing that their seizure violated international maritime law and the activists’ fundamental rights.
“We reiterate that the actions of the Israeli authorities constitute a grave breach of international law and human rights norms. Peaceful civilian engagement in solidarity with oppressed people must not be met with repression, violence, or unlawful incarceration,” Odigie stated.
ITUC-Africa then called on the Israeli government to release all detained activists without condition.
“The Israeli government must respect international maritime law and the fundamental rights of all individuals, including those expressing dissent against unlawful policies.
“Finally, on behalf of millions of workers across the continent, we call for the end of the inhumane blockade of Gaza, which continues to inflict suffering on millions of Palestinians.
“We call on all lovers of humanity and people of conscience to take urgent and firm actions to end the hostilities and carnage now.
It also described the situation in Gaza as a “massacre of Palestinian civilians,” saying it must stop.
“ITUC-Africa reiterates its support for a two-state solution for the Israelis and Palestinians.”
