Hamas calls for escalating international support for Gaza, Sumud Flotilla

Hamas on Thursday called for the continuation and escalation of the global movement in solidarity with Gaza "in rejection of the occupation's aggression, crimes of genocide, and starvation", Al Jazeera Arabic reported. 

We call for mobilising all means to support the Global Sumud Flotilla heading to Gaza, and we warn the occupation against targeting it, Hamas said in a statement. 

Foreign ministers of 16 countries on Tuesday had expressed concern about the safety of the flotilla headed to Gaza, and warned against “unlawful or violent” acts against it. 

A joint statement was signed by Turkey, Spain, Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Ireland, Libya, Malaysia, the Maldives, Mexico, Pakistan, Qatar, Oman, Slovenia and South Africa.

“The Global Sumud Flotilla has informed about its objective of delivering humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip and raising awareness about the urgent humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people and the need to stop the war in Gaza,” the foreign ministers said. 

“Both objectives, peace and humanitarian aid delivery, together with the respect of international law, including humanitarian law, are shared by our governments.”

A collection of more than 40 boats carrying critical aid left ports across Tunisia over the weekend, beginning the final leg of its journey to Gaza.