LONDON: The Committee to Protect Journalists called on Israel to “immediately and unconditionally” release all journalists arrested on board the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was intercepted by Israeli forces while attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The CPJ said at least 32 journalists were on 39 vessels heading toward the territory when they were stopped by Israeli authorities on Wednesday and Thursday.

“Detaining members of the press while reporting on a humanitarian mission is a clear violation of international maritime law and a dangerous escalation in Israel’s pattern of attacks against journalists,” said Sara Qudah, CPJ’s regional director.

“World leaders must act now to defend press freedom, protect journalists, and demand accountability.”

The flotilla, which set sail from Spain in late August, consists of more than 40 civilian vessels carrying medicine, food and other humanitarian supplies. About 500 parliamentarians, lawyers, activists and journalists from more than 40 countries are on board.

It represents the highest-profile attempt yet to challenge Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza, which has contributed to widespread famine and suffering in the territory.

In a message posted on social media platform X, the Israeli Foreign Ministry said all but one vessel was en route to Israel, and detained activists would be deported to Europe.

While the CPJ stated 32 journalists were on flotilla vessels, it remained unclear which of them were detained, aside from Yassine Al-Gaidi, Hayat Al-Yamani, Lotfi Hajji, and Anis Al-Abbassi.

Suhad Bishara, the director of the legal department at the Adalah Center, which is defending the activists, said her team was in the Israeli city of Ashdod following up on the detentions.

“Currently, the picture is not complete,” she said. “Regarding deportation or any legal proceedings, it could be this evening, after the immigration authority begins the process, and it could take several days.”

The interceptions and detentions sparked international condemnation. Amnesty International described Israel’s actions as a “brazen assault” designed to punish and silence critics of its blockade and military campaign in Gaza.

“The decades-long impunity for Israel’s violations of international law must end,” said Agnes Callamard, the organization’s secretary-general.

“Governments worldwide must demand the immediate release of all detainees and the lifting of the unlawful blockade to allow humanitarian aid to flow freely.”