Countries around the world on Wednesday condemned Israel's interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla earlier that day, urging Israel to ensure the safety of their citizens on Gaza-bound aid ships.
The flotilla, consisting of some 50 vessels with over 500 volunteers from more than 40 countries, aims to challenge Israel's naval blockade and deliver food and medical aid to Palestinians.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed Wednesday that it "detained several ships from the flotilla," and that the process had been "safe" and the "passengers are being transferred to an Israeli port."
The vessels had set sail from ports of various countries since August, converging toward Gaza with the goal of opening a humanitarian corridor by sea. During the journey, the fleet has come under repeated attacks, including drone strikes and "intimidation attacks."
In response to Israel's interception which has led to the detainment of two Colombian citizens, Colombian President Gustavo Petro on Wednesday ordered the expulsion of all remaining Israeli diplomats in the country and declared an immediate termination of the free trade agreement with Israel.
Venezuela's Foreign Ministry issued a statement strongly condemning the interception of the ships by Israel as an act of cowardly piracy.
Bolivian President Luis Arce condemned Israel's actions as "unacceptable violence" and "criminal behavior."
Chile also joined in the condemnation, stating that the Israeli move violated the freedom of navigation guaranteed by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and breached the obligations established by international humanitarian law.
In a statement, the Turkish Foreign Ministry condemned the interception of humanitarian aid ships by the Israeli military in international waters as a "terrorist act" that severely violates international law and endangers innocent civilian lives.
The Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) also released a statement describing Israel's interception as acts of piracy and terrorism, urging the international community to strongly condemn Israel's actions.
Portuguese authorities confirmed that three citizens, including a member of Parliament, have been detained.
Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa pledged to provide "full consular support" through its embassy in Tel Aviv to ensure their rights and safe return.
Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto voiced condemnation "in the strongest manner," as there were also Italian citizens on board. He added that he had authorized the "immediate intervention" of a navy unit, which is heading to the area for possible rescue operations.
France and Spain also expressed concern, urging Israel to ensure the safety of their citizens, guarantee their right to consular protection and allow their prompt return.
Late Wednesday night, the flotilla denounced the "active aggression" of the Israeli military on Telegram, noting that the vessel Florida was "deliberately rammed at sea," while Yulara, Meteque and others were hit with water cannons.
Though all crew members were unharmed, "these illegal attacks against unarmed humanitarian vessels constitute a war crime," it said.
Countries condemn Israel for intercepting Gaza-bound flotilla
Countries condemn Israel for intercepting Gaza-bound flotilla
