South African activists on Gaza flotilla claim harsh treatment by Israel over genocide case

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — Six South African activists who were detained by Israel while attempting to reach Gaza as part of an aid flotilla said Wednesday they were subjected to harsher treatment than other detainees because of South Africa's role in a genocide case against Israel.

Speaking after their return, the activists, which include a grandson of Nelson Mandela, said they were singled out after Israeli guards noticed that they were from South Africa. Two Muslim women among the group said they had their hijabs ripped off their heads and were forced to strip naked in front of Israeli soldiers.

Since 2023, South Africa has led a highly contentious case in the United Nations' top court accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza.

Mandla Mandela, grandson of South Africa’s anti-apartheid icon and first Black president, said the South African activists on the flotilla were “harshly dealt with” because their country has confronted Israel over its actions in Gaza by launching the case at the International Court of Justice.

Their treatment was “because we are a nation that dared through our government to take apartheid Israel to the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court and hold them accountable,” Mandela said.

South African activists Fatima Hendricks and Zaheera Soomar told reporters at Johannesburg's OR Tambo airport on their return that their hijabs were forcibly removed from their heads while they were detained by Israel, which didn't happen to other Muslim female activists.

“Both of us were forced behind a screen, our heads pushed against the wall and completely stripped naked in front of Israeli soldiers. This did not happen to other women,” said Soomar. “When they saw our passports, this is how we were treated as South Africans.”

Israel’s Foreign Ministry has denied any claims of mistreatment and noted that all activists were given the opportunity to voluntarily be deported without detention. It said Wednesday in response to the allegations by the South African activists that “all the legal rights of the participants in this PR stunt were and will continue to be fully upheld. The lies they are spreading are part of their pre-planned fake news campaign."

The six South Africans were among some 450 activists who were arrested as Israeli forces intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla, a fleet of 42 boats seeking to break Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza and deliver a symbolic amount of aid to Palestinians in the famine-stricken territory. They were detained last week and brought to Israel.

Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg was among the activists arrested. Thunberg and activists from other countries have also claimed they were mistreated by Israeli guards, claims Israel has rejected as “brazen lies.”

The Israeli military intercepted another flotilla early Wednesday and detained scores more activists on board.

Mandla Mandela has previously been criticized over his alleged support for the Palestinian militant group Hamas and was denied a visa to travel to the U.K. last year.

South Africa has long been a supporter of the Palestinian cause dating back to when Nelson Mandela was president. The country has compared Israel's treatment of Palestinians to the South African apartheid government's treatment of Black South Africans during its previous period of racial segregation. Israel has rejected that comparison.

South Africa lodged its case accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza in late 2023. Several countries, including Nicaragua, Palestine, Turkey, Spain, Mexico, Libya and Colombia have supported South Africa's case, it said.

Israel has vehemently rejected the allegation it is committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza and has accused South Africa of being Hamas' "legal arm" by filing the case.

Activists prepare to welcome of members of the Global Sumud Flotilla, at OR Tambo International Airport, in Johannesburg, South Africa, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)

Mandla Mandela with his wife Rabia, arrives with members of the Global Sumud Flotilla, at OR Tambo International Airport, in Johannesburg, South Africa, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)

Mandla Mandela speaks to journalists after their arrival with members of the Global Sumud Flotilla, at OR Tambo International Airport, in Johannesburg, South Africa, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)

Activists sing as they welcome the members of the Global Sumud Flotilla, at OR Tambo International Airport, in Johannesburg, South Africa, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)

Mandla Mandela, showing victory sign and his fellow members of the Global Sumud Flotilla, at OR Tambo International Airport, in Johannesburg, South Africa, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)

HANOI, Vietnam--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov 18, 2025--

Global technology corporation FPT today announced an exclusive partnership with FutureTEC, a leading regional IT solutions provider, to deliver advanced technology solutions across Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan. Through this strategic alliance, the two companies will combine FPT’s global delivery capabilities and innovation leadership with FutureTEC’s strong regional market presence, client trust, and operational excellence, enabling enterprises and government organizations in these markets to achieve sustainable growth and digital transformation.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251117607042/en/

The agreement designates FutureTEC as FPT’s exclusive partner in the region for selected service areas, while FPT provides comprehensive delivery capabilities to support FutureTEC’s client engagements and multi-year growth targets. The collaboration spans six core technology domains: Data and Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cloud and Platforms, No/Low-Code Platforms, Hyperautomation (including RPA), Digital Customer Experience, and Strategy Consulting. It also targets a wide range of key regional industries, including Government, Oil & Gas, Banking & Financial Services (BFSI), Aviation, and Healthcare.

Phuong Dang, FPT Software Senior Executive Vice President and FPT Americas Chief Executive Officer, FPT Corporation, said: “FPT is actively embracing an AI-first strategy to shape the digital future through intelligence, scale, speed, and expertise — a direction that closely aligns with the Middle East’s growing focus on AI innovation. Since entering the region in 2020, we’ve witnessed its immense potential, and by combining our global reach and AI-powered solutions with FutureTEC’s local insights, we are confident that we can turn global innovation and expertise into regional success.”

Feras Al-Oqlah, CEO of FutureTEC, added: “This partnership marks a significant milestone in FutureTEC’s growth journey. By combining our deep regional expertise and trusted relationships across Kuwait, Jordan, and Bahrain with FPT’s global delivery excellence and innovation capabilities, we are creating a powerful platform to deliver next-generation digital solutions that drive business value, resilience, and sustainable transformation for our clients.”

Since establishing its first office in the Middle East in 2020, FPT has rapidly expanded its footprint, securing key clients across multiple sectors and driving significant regional growth. The company recently obtained the Regional Headquarters license for its operations in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, becoming the first Vietnam-based enterprise authorized for regional operations in the kingdom.

FPT’s AI-first approach, embedded across all services and solutions, aligns with the Middle East’s agenda for digital innovation, smart cities, and technology-driven economic diversification. Leveraging its global expertise, the tech firm is well-positioned to accelerate digital transformation, support the region’s ambitious development goals, and foster strong collaborations with local partners to create sustainable, long-term impact.

About FPT

FPT Corporation (FPT) is a globally leading technology and IT services provider headquartered in Vietnam and operates in three core sectors: Technology, Telecommunications, and Education. Over more than three decades, FPT has consistently delivered impactful solutions to millions of individuals and tens of thousands of organizations worldwide. As an AI-first company, FPT is committed to elevating Vietnam’s position on the global tech map and delivering world-class AI-enabled solutions for global enterprises. FPT focuses on three critical transformations: Digital Transformation, Intelligence Transformation, and Green Transformation. In 2024, FPT reported a total revenue of USD 2.47 billion and a workforce of over 54,000 employees across its core businesses. For more information about FPT's global IT services, please visit https://fptsoftware.com

About FutureTEC

Founded in 2005, FutureTEC is a leading regional IT solutions provider operating across Kuwait, Jordan, and Bahrain. The company delivers end-to-end technology solutions and services spanning Cybersecurity, Infrastructure & Cloud, and Data & AI. Through strategic partnerships with global technology leaders, FutureTEC empowers enterprises and government organizations to achieve operational excellence, digital resilience, and sustainable growth. With two decades of proven expertise and a commitment to innovation, FutureTEC continues to play a key role in advancing digital transformation across the region. www.futuretec.me

FPT and FutureTEC Forge Exclusive Partnership for Middle East Digital Growth