Sixteen countries whose citizens are participating in the Sumud Flotilla have expressed concerns regarding its security, emphasizing the need for adherence to international law and humanitarian principles.
In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of Qatar, Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Ireland, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, Mexico, Pakistan, Oman, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, and Türkiye warned that any violations of international law or human rights against the participants—such as attacks on vessels in international waters or illegal detentions—would lead to accountability.
The ministers noted that the Flotilla aims to provide humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip and raise awareness regarding the pressing humanitarian needs of Palestinians, as well as the necessity to halt the ongoing conflict in Gaza. “Our governments share both objectives: peace and humanitarian aid delivery, alongside respect for international law, including humanitarian law,” they stated.
Furthermore, they urged all involved parties to avoid any unlawful or violent actions against the Flotilla and to uphold both international law and humanitarian standards.
Earlier, 158 Members of Parliament, MEPs, and Senators from various European nations sent a letter to their foreign ministries, calling for immediate action to safeguard the members of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which has previously encountered two drone attacks in Tunisian waters before its departure.
The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) is recognized as the largest civilian maritime initiative aimed at delivering aid to Gaza, involving more than 50 vessels and thousands of participants from over 44 countries. The flotilla departed from various European ports in August 2025 and made a brief stop in Tunisia before proceeding to Gaza.
The GSF was recently subjected to a second attack in Tunisian waters, with a drone targeting a British-flagged vessel named “Alma.” This incident occurred less than 24 hours after another boat, carrying the flotilla’s steering committee, was struck on the previous Monday. The British-flagged boat sustained damage to its top deck due to gunfire, but the fire has since been extinguished, and all individuals on board are reported safe.
Prominent figures participating in the flotilla include climate activist Greta Thunberg and former Barcelona Mayor Ada Colau. Since March 2, 2025, the Israeli government has once again prohibited all aid entry into Gaza, including essential supplies such as food, medicine, and fuel, which many view as a serious breach of international humanitarian law. Two preceding attempts by activists to deliver aid by sea to Gaza earlier this year were blocked by Israel.
Tags: Gaza, Sumud Flotilla, international law, protection, humanitarian aid
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