Israel’s recent interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), which was en route to Gaza, has led to widespread outrage and criticism from leaders around the globe. Demonstrations sparked in cities including Istanbul, Athens, Buenos Aires, Rome, Berlin, and Madrid, as protesters condemned Israel’s actions.
This flotilla, consisting of around 500 activists from at least 44 countries, included participants from the United States, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Spain, Malaysia, Turkiye, and Colombia.
Responses from international leaders have varied from strong condemnations to urgent calls for Israel to provide access to detained citizens.
In Palestine, the Foreign Ministry condemned what it termed Israel’s aggression against the GSF. The post on X emphasized that the flotilla had the right to free passage in international waters and that Israel had no right to interfere with this recognized freedom of navigation under international law.
The Turkish government also issued a stern rebuke, describing Israel’s intervention as an “act of terrorism” that violated international law and endangered innocent lives. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized the actions of what it referred to as the fascist and militarist policies of Prime Minister Netanyahu. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan further condemned the actions, likening Israel’s targeting of the flotilla to “banditry” and reaffirming Türkiye’s support for the activists on board.
In Malaysia, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim demanded the immediate release of Malaysian citizens aboard the flotilla. He pledged to use all lawful measures to hold Israel accountable for its actions, emphasizing that Israel was disregarding both Palestinian rights and the conscience of the global community.
South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa called for the urgent release of all flotilla participants. Among those detained is Nkosi Zwelivelile “Mandla” Mandela, a grandson of Nelson Mandela. Ramaphosa emphasized that the cargo carried by the flotilla was meant to provide aid to Gaza and should reach its intended destination as a matter of solidarity, not confrontation.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro took a more drastic approach, announcing the expulsion of Israeli diplomats and the cancellation of Colombia’s free trade agreement with Israel in response to the recent events. He stressed the necessity of pursuing justice for Colombian nationals taken during the interception.
Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani engaged with Israeli officials, expressing concern for the safety of those on the flotilla and stating that Israel had assured him of avoiding violent actions. Meanwhile, Italian unions organized a general strike to show solidarity with the GSF and Gaza, while Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni criticized the protests as ineffectual regarding Palestinian welfare.
The UK government echoed concerns regarding the interception, affirming its commitment to assist British nationals involved. The foreign ministry expressed that the aid carried by the flotilla should be safely transferred to humanitarian organizations operating in Gaza.
Germany’s foreign ministry demanded Israel adhere to their obligations under international law, urging proportionality in their response to the flotilla. They called for the protection of all individuals on board, stating they were monitoring the situation closely.
Spain issued a statement insisting on the safety and rights of Spanish citizens aboard the flotilla while their consular teams closely monitored developments from Nicosia and Jerusalem. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced the provision of diplomatic protection for all Spanish nationals involved.
In Greece, a joint statement with Italy appealed to Israel for the safety of participants and to ensure all consular protections were in place.
Irish President Michael D Higgins raised concerns about the impediments to humanitarian aid reaching Gaza, asserting that the safety of those involved in the flotilla is of global concern.
Condemnations were also expressed from Pakistan, where Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif referred to Israel’s actions as a “dastardly attack” and called for the end of hostilities and the facilitation of humanitarian aid to those in need.
Belgium’s Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot echoed calls for Israel to respect international law and prioritized the welfare of Belgian nationals involved.
France’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs urged Israel to grant French citizens access to consular services and facilitate their return without unnecessary delays. The France Unbowed party, with several parliamentarians participating in the flotilla, accused Israel of conducting an act of “piracy” and criticized the French government’s handling of the situation. Jean-Luc Mélenchon, the party’s leader, publicly expressed his disappointment with the foreign minister’s stance.
In the United States, 20 Democratic legislators urged the White House to take protective measures regarding the flotilla. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), a prominent Muslim advocacy group, described Israel’s actions as piracy in international waters, calling on nations that claim to support international law to condemn these activities.
While there has not yet been an official response from the United Nations, Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur on Palestine, criticized the inaction of Western governments towards Netanyahu’s administration and emphasized the plight faced by the people of Gaza. Albanese described the interception of the flotilla as highlighting the need for international engagement and accountability.
As this situation evolves, global reactions continue to unfold, framing the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla as a pivotal moment in international discourse regarding humanitarian aid, rights at sea, and the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
image source from：aljazeera
