A group of 10 countries, including Pakistan, Turkiye, Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Jordan, Libya, Maldives, and Spain, has strongly condemned Israeli actions against the Gaza-bound humanitarian flotilla known as the “Global Sumud Flotilla.”
In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of these countries expressed serious concern over the interception of aid vessels in international waters and the detention of humanitarian activists onboard. They said the flotilla was carrying essential relief supplies for the people of Gaza and stressed that such missions must be protected under international law.
The countries demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all detained activists. They stated that the continued detention of humanitarian workers was unacceptable and called on Israel to respect international norms.
The statement further described the Israeli operation as a violation of international law and an infringement on freedom of navigation in international waters. It urged the international community to take steps to ensure the safety and protection of civilian and humanitarian missions at sea.
The ministers also called for accountability and concrete action to end impunity for attacks on humanitarian aid efforts. They emphasized that civilians and aid convoys should never be targeted under any circumstances.
Meanwhile, according to Arab media reports, Israeli forces intercepted several vessels from the flotilla on Monday morning in international waters, approximately 40 nautical miles off the Gaza coast. The flotilla, which included more than 50 ships, had reportedly departed from the Turkish port of Marmaris carrying humanitarian assistance for Gaza.
Reports said more than 100 activists were detained during the operation and later transferred to the Israeli port city of Ashdod. Israeli naval forces reportedly deployed heavily armed vessels and used speedboats to board the aid ships during the interception.
This incident follows a similar operation two weeks earlier, when Israeli forces intercepted 22 aid boats near the Greek coast and detained 181 volunteers, according to reports. The latest development has heightened international concern over repeated interceptions of Gaza-bound humanitarian convoys in international waters.
