Mandela’s grandson home after deportation by Israel

Late South African President and anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela arrived in Johannesburg after being detained and later deported by Israel, which prevented him from being part of the flotilla to deliver aid to Gaza.

Mandla Mandela, who returned home with four other South Africans, said he and his group were held in an Israeli prison for six days before being released via Jordan.

“We were tied tightly behind our backs, taken out of our boats, put on the platform and paraded for everyone,” Mandela, 51, said Wednesday, as he was greeted by supporters waving Palestinian flags. “He said.

“It’s nothing compared to what Palestinians are exposed to on a daily basis,” he said, referring to Israel’s military offensive against Hamas since the Palestinian militant group’s deadly attack on Israel two years ago.

Israel said reports of starvation in Gaza were exaggerated and dismissed the Flotilla as a publicity stunt benefiting Hamas.

He has denied mistreating hundreds of people, including Swedish activist Greta Thunberg.