Forty-one Gaza aid boats intercepted, ten continue sailing to destination

Foreign Ministers of Ten Countries Condemn Israeli Raid on Aid Flotilla

The foreign ministers of Turkey, Spain, Jordan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Brazil, Indonesia, Colombia, Libya, and the Maldives have issued a joint statement condemning Israel’s raid on an aid flotilla bound for Gaza. The statement describes the Israeli actions as “blatant violations of international law and international humanitarian law.”

According to the Global Sumud Flotilla, 41 of the 51 boats in the flotilla were intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters off the coast of Cyprus on Monday. Ten vessels continue to sail towards Gaza, approximately 121 nautical miles away.

The foreign ministers expressed “serious concern regarding the safety and security of the civilian participants” and called for the immediate release of all detained activists. They also urged respect for their rights and dignity.

Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had previously instructed the flotilla to abandon its mission, stating that they should change course and turn back immediately. The raid resulted in the abduction of several activists, including Margaret Connolly, an Irish doctor who is President Catherine Connolly’s sister.

The blockade on Gaza has been in place since 2007, with Israel maintaining it as necessary to prevent weapons from reaching Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups. Rights groups and humanitarian organisations have repeatedly criticised the blockade, describing it as collective punishment imposed on Gaza’s population.

Source: Al Jazeera