DUBAI: International leaders have strongly criticized Israel’s interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a convoy of around 45 vessels carrying humanitarian aid and activists attempting to reach Gaza, where the United Nations has warned of famine conditions.
Israeli naval forces began intercepting the ships on Wednesday, citing the waters as part of its blockade. By Thursday, at least 39 vessels had been intercepted or were assumed to have been intercepted, according to the flotilla’s tracking system.
South Africa
President Cyril Ramaphosa called on Israel to immediately release the detained activists, including Nelson Mandela’s grandson, and ensure the safe delivery of the flotilla’s aid.
“The interception of the flotilla in international waters is contrary to international law and violates the sovereignty of every nation whose flag was flown on the vessels,” he said.
Pretoria has been a leading critic of Israel’s actions in Gaza, previously bringing a case before the UN’s top court alleging Israel’s military campaign amounts to genocide, a charge Israel denies.
Turkiye
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the interceptions as aggression, asserting that Israel’s actions show a lack of willingness to support peace efforts.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry called the interception “an act of terrorism” in international waters, violating international law and endangering civilians.
Turkiye is taking measures to protect its nationals aboard the flotilla and said it will pursue legal steps to hold Israel accountable.
Palestine
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry denounced Israel’s actions as illegal, stating it has no authority over Palestinian territorial waters off Gaza.
Meanwhile, Hamas expressed support for the flotilla, calling the interception a “criminal act” and urging public protests to condemn Israel.
United Kingdom
A British Foreign Office spokesperson said the UK has engaged with Israeli authorities to ensure the situation is resolved safely and in line with international law.
The spokesperson emphasized that the flotilla’s humanitarian aid should be delivered to organizations on the ground in Gaza.
Malaysia
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim criticized Israel’s blockade of the humanitarian mission, calling it “utter contempt” for the rights of Palestinians and global humanitarian norms.
He said the flotilla represented solidarity and hope for those living under blockade.
The flotilla’s organizers said multiple vessels were “illegally intercepted and boarded by Israeli forces in international waters,” while a Greek participant described the actions as repeated acts of piracy violating international law. Israel’s foreign ministry stated that the detained activists, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, were being transferred to an Israeli port and would be deported to Europe.
