A coalition of 10 nations, including the Maldives, has jointly condemned Israel’s obstruction of the Global Sumud Flotilla, an initiative travelling to deliver aid to distressed citizens in Gaza, Palestine, according to a joint statement. Military forces of the Jewish state of Israel halted several vessels participating in the flotilla within international waters and abducted the participants on board, the declaration stated.
The formal declaration of condemnation was issued collaboratively by the foreign ministers of the Maldives, Brazil, Jordan, Pakistan, Spain, Bangladesh, Colombia, Indonesia, Turkey, and Libya. In the statement, the ministers strongly condemned the crimes committed by Israel in obstructing the Global Sumud Flotilla, describing the initiative as a peaceful movement intended to draw international attention to the humanitarian crisis facing the Palestinian people.
The joint declaration also detailed condemnation of previous crimes committed by Israeli forces involving interventions against vessels that travelled in the flotilla movement, noting grave concern regarding inhumane acts committed against human rights activists and civilian vessels. The foreign ministers affirmed that detaining participants and attacking these vessels constitute clear violations of international law, whilst diplomats underscored deep concern regarding the safety of the civilian participants involved in the Sumud Flotilla, prompting a unified call for the immediate release of the detained activists and the assurance of their dignity and rights.
Repeated attacks aimed at halting human rights activities represent a fundamental obstruction to international law and the freedom of navigation, the 10 foreign ministers observed. The international community must take steps to ensure the protection of civilians participating in such movements, the ministers urged, concluding that concrete mechanisms must be established to ensure accountability and guarantee that those responsible for these crimes face appropriate punishment.