An international wave of condemnation has followed the Israeli naval interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a civilian-led aid convoy that organisers say was attempting to deliver humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip. The vessels linked with the flotilla were reportedly intercepted in international waters near Greece.
Foreign ministers from Brazil, Colombia, Jordan, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, South Africa, Spain, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Türkiye condemned Israeli action in a joint statement, calling it a “flagrant violation of international law and international humanitarian law.”
Calling for global action, the countries urged the international community to uphold international law, protect civilians, and ensure accountability for the reported violations. They urged Israeli authorities to ensure the immediate release of detained activists.
Separately, Qatar also condemned the interception, warning that restrictions on crossings and aid deliveries risk worsening the humanitarian situation in Palestinian territories, particularly in Gaza. It called on the international community to act to ensure the flow of aid and protection for civilians.
Activists Allege Abuse After Flotilla Interception
The Global Sumud Flotilla alleged its participants were subjected to mistreatment by Israeli forces following a 40-hour standoff at sea, according to a post on X.
The group said its vessels were held aboard an Israeli naval ship in waters near Greece, where participants were allegedly denied adequate food and water and forced to sleep on floors that were “deliberately and repeatedly flooded.”
It said that when Israeli forces attempted to detain two participants—Saif Abukeshek, described as having Spanish nationality and Palestinian origins, and Thiago Ávila of Brazil—others resisted peacefully, prompting what it described as a violent response.
Participants were “punched, kicked, and dragged across the deck with their hands bound behind their backs,” the group said, adding that some sustained injuries including broken noses and cracked ribs. It also alleged that shots were fired during the incident.
The group said Greek authorities later placed participants on buses and restricted their movement, while the two individuals were taken to what it referred to as “Occupied Palestine.”
It added that around 60 participants had launched a hunger strike in protest.
In another post on X, the flotilla group alleged that more than 180 civilians across 22 boats were intercepted after naval forces boarded the vessels, disabled engines and navigation systems, and disrupted communications. It said most individuals were being released, while some were taken to hospital for treatment. The group said two participants—Saif Abukeshek and Thiago Ávila—were taken by Israeli forces and transported to Israel, adding that their fate remains unknown.
The claims could not be independently verified, and there was no immediate response from the Israel Defense Forces or Greek officials.