DaysofPal- Ten countries have denounced Israeli assault on the humanitarian Sumud Flotilla bound for Gaza, describing the incident as a serious breach of international law.
In a joint statement issued Monday, the foreign ministers of Turkey, Bangladesh, Brazil, Indonesia, Spain, Colombia, Libya, the Maldives, Pakistan, and Jordan expressed “deep concern” over Israel’s repeated targeting of aid missions in international waters.
They stressed that attacks on civilian vessels and the detention of activists violate both international law and humanitarian principles.
The ministers called for the immediate release of all those detained and urged the international community to uphold its responsibility to protect humanitarian efforts and civilian lives.
Israeli occupation forces attacked the Global Sumud Flotilla on Monday in international waters west of Cyprus, roughly 70 nautical miles from the island.
According to organizers, 10 vessels from a 60-ship convoy were boarded, and about 100 activists were detained, including dozens of Turkish nationals and participants from 39 other countries.
Flotilla organizers accused the Israeli occupation of unlawfully seizing the vessels and “abducting” volunteers, demanding the release of all detainees and an end to the Gaza blockade.
Turkey strongly condemned the operation, labeling it a “new act of piracy.”
The flotilla had departed from Marmaris carrying over 420 participants, aiming to deliver aid and highlight the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
International criticism followed the interception, whereas Spain’s foreign minister said Israel had no authority in those waters, while Malaysia’s prime minister called for an end to the repression of both Palestinians and humanitarian activists, insisting Israeli occupation must be held accountable.
A Hamas official also denounced the incident as state terrorism that undermines the international order.
This marks the second reported attack on the flotilla in under a month, following a previous interception near Crete on April 29, when activists were deported.
Israeli long-standing blockade of Gaza, in place since 2007, has contributed to severe shortages of essential supplies, with aid organizations repeatedly warning of a deepening humanitarian crisis.
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