Pakistan and another 15 countries have jointly expressed a serious concern for the safety of the Sumud Global flotilla, a maritime mission directed by civilians with the aim of providing humanitarian aid to Gaza and breaking the Israeli naval blockade.
In a rare multilateral statement, the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Ireland, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, Mexico, Oman, Qatar, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain and Türkiye request the protection of the flotilla under the international law, as the citizens of these countries participate in the initiatives.
“We share the objectives of the delivery of peace and humanitarian aid, together with respect for international law, including humanitarian law,” reads the joint declaration.
The ministers urged all parties to “refrain from any illegal or violent act” against the flotilla and reminded the international community that any attack on ships in international waters or illegal detention of its participants would constitute a violation of international law and would imply “responsibility.”
From Spain to Gaza
The Global Sumud flotilla, which includes more than 50 civil ships, sailed from Barcelona on August 30, with a diverse group of doctors, trade unionists, legislators and prominent human and climatic rights activists.
The mission is described as the largest of its type from the Gaza Freedom 2010 flotilla, which ended in a mortal Israeli incursion.
Among those on board are the American actress Susan Sarandon, the Portuguese actress Sofía Aparicio and the Swedish climatic activist Greta Thunberg, who was previously arrested and deported by the Israeli authorities in June during a similar attempt to violate the blockade.
