Desk Report:
Sumud flotilla carrying aid to Gaza detained: Global outrage against Israel
Israel has blocked the Global Peace Flotilla, which was carrying more than 40 ships to Gaza. More than a hundred human rights activists on board have been detained.
World leaders have been quick to react to the incident. At the same time, Palestinian activists have protested in cities around the world, including Istanbul, Athens, Buenos Aires, Rome, Berlin and Madrid, condemning Israel’s blocking of aid to the famine-stricken Gaza and its detention of human rights activists. Protests have also been held in Jordan and Tunisia.
The 500-strong flotilla includes representatives from at least 44 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Spain, Malaysia, Turkey and Colombia.
World leaders have reacted in a variety of ways, with some directly condemning it; others calling on Israel to provide consular services to its citizens.
Al Jazeera reports on the reactions of countries around the world to Israel’s blockade of the Global Sumud flotilla and the detention of activists.
Palestine
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry condemned Israel’s attack and aggression against the Global Sumud flotilla on social media. They said, “The Global Sumud flotilla has the right to free movement in international waters and Israel should not interfere with their freedom of movement, which is recognized under international law.”
Turkey
The Turkish Foreign Ministry called Israel’s intervention a “terrorist act.” The ministry said that Israel’s actions prove “the fascist and militaristic policies of the genocidal Netanyahu government, which have pushed Gaza to the brink of famine, which is not limited to the Palestinians alone.”
Malaysia
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has called for the immediate release of the Malaysian citizens. In a post on X, he said, “all legal and lawful measures” would be taken to hold Israel accountable. Israel is not only “ignoring the fundamental rights of the Palestinian people; it is also trampling on the conscience of the global community.”
South Africa
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for the immediate release of the flotilla participants and confirmed that Nelson Mandela’s grandson Nkosi Zweliwelile Mandela is among those detained.
In a statement, Cyril Ramaphosa said South Africa is calling on Israel to allow the life-saving goods on board the flotilla to reach the people of Gaza. The flotilla is a symbol of solidarity with Gaza, not of conflict with Israel.
Colombia
President Gustavo Petro Exay announced that his government was expelling Israeli diplomats and terminating Colombia’s free trade agreement in response to Israel’s actions.
Gustavo Petro said Colombia would “make all appropriate demands, including through Israeli courts,” for the return of its citizens.
Italy
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani told local media that Israel had assured him that “no violent action” would be taken against the flotilla.
Italian unions have separately called for a general strike on Friday in solidarity with the Global Seas flotilla and Gaza.
United Kingdom
The British government said it was “deeply concerned” by Israel’s blockade of the flotilla and was in contact with “the families of several British citizens who participated.”
In a statement, they said the aid on board the flotilla should be handed over to humanitarian agencies so they can safely reach Gaza.
Greece
Greece issued a joint statement with Italy earlier this week calling on Israel to “ensure the safety of those participating in the Gaza-bound flotilla.”
Ireland
“Israel is preventing essential aid from reaching Gaza. The safety and security of those involved in this humanitarian operation is a concern for all of us and for the countries from which they come,” said Irish President Michael D. Higgins.
Pakistan
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif called the Israeli attack on the flotilla a “barbaric attack” and demanded the release of those detained. He said the barbarity must stop, peace must be given a chance and aid must reach the people of Gaza.
Belgium
Foreign Minister Maxime Prevost has called on Israel to abide by international law, saying his first priority is to protect the rights, ensure the safety and speedy repatriation of Belgian citizens.
France
The European and Foreign Affairs ministries have called on Israel to provide consular services to the French nationals on board the flotilla and to “allow them to return to France without undue delay.”
United States
Earlier this week, 20 Democratic members of the US Congress called on the White House to take action to protect the flotilla.
United Nations
The United Nations has yet to issue an official response. However, Francesca Albanese, the special rapporteur on the situation in Palestine, said the Western countries’ inaction was “clear”.
Francesca said on social media: “They are kidnapping people who are risking their lives to break Israel’s illegal blockade, while the people of Gaza are left to die.” The silence and cooperation of Western governments is shameful here.
