Sixteen nations warn Israel not to attack Global Sumud Flotilla

The foreign ministers of 16 countries have voiced concern for the safety of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a civil society initiative attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip through sea vessels.

In a joint statement on Tuesday, the governments of Turkey, Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Ireland, Libya, Malaysia, the Maldives, Mexico, Pakistan, Qatar, Oman, Slovenia, South Africa and Spain have all confirmed that their citizens are onboard the mission. 

The ministers said the flotilla’s stated aim is to deliver humanitarian supplies to Gaza and raise awareness of “the urgent humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people and the need to stop the war in Gaza”. 

They added that their governments share these goals, stressing that both “peace and humanitarian aid delivery, together with the respect of international law, including humanitarian law, are shared by our governments”. 

Calling for restraint, the ministers urged all parties “to refrain from any unlawful or violent act against the flotilla, to respect international law and international humanitarian law”. 

The statement also warned of consequences if the ships come under attack in international waters or if participants are detained. “Any violation of international law and human rights of the participants in the flotilla, including attacks against the vessels in international waters or illegal detention, will lead to accountability,” the ministers declared.