Life for Palestinians Under Israeli Occupation is "Far Worse" than Apartheid Experienced by Black South Africans, Says Mandla Mandela
Mandla Mandela, the grandson of anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela, stated that the life of Palestinians under Israeli occupation is "far worse" than what black South Africans experienced during apartheid. In an exclusive interview with Reuters on Wednesday evening at Johannesburg Airport, he made an urgent appeal to the international community to come to the aid of the Palestinian people.
Mandela, 51, was on his way to Tunisia to join a flotilla aimed at delivering food and humanitarian aid to Gaza, despite the maritime blockade imposed by the Israeli entity. "Those of us who have visited the occupied Palestinian territories return with one conclusion: Palestinians are enduring a form of apartheid far worse than what we experienced," he said. "We firmly believe that the international community must continue to support the Palestinians, just as they stood by us."
Israel categorically rejects any comparison between the situation of Palestinians, who have been under occupation or blockade for over half a century, and the apartheid regime in South Africa, where the black majority was oppressed by a white minority government.
The context of these statements is an acute humanitarian crisis. The World Food Programme (WFP) reports that hunger is widespread in the Gaza Strip. A global hunger monitor estimates that a quarter of the population is now suffering from famine.
Mandela highlighted the crucial role of international pressure in the downfall of apartheid in 1994. "The world isolated apartheid South Africa, which ultimately led to its collapse. We think it's high time to apply the same strategy for the Palestinians," he explained, advocating for similar sanctions and pressure.
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