Global Flotilla to Gaza faces dangers, gains backing from 16 nations

Foreign ministers from 16 countries expressed grave concern over the safety of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which is en route to Gaza, and strongly warned against any “unlawful or violent” actions directed at it.

A joint statement was signed by Türkiye, Spain, Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Ireland, Libya, Malaysia, the Maldives, Mexico, Pakistan, Qatar, Oman, Slovenia, and South Africa, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

“The Global Sumud Flotilla has informed about its objective of delivering humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip and raising awareness about the urgent humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people and the need to stop the war in Gaza,” the foreign ministers said.

“Both objectives, peace and humanitarian aid delivery, together with the respect of international law, including humanitarian law, are shared by our governments.”

Over the weekend, more than 40 vessels carrying critical aid departed from Tunisian ports, commencing the final leg of their journey to Gaza. The departure was delayed by 11 days after two ships came under drone attack and several others failed to meet organisers’ safety standards. Israel, which has previously intercepted flotillas aiming to breach the blockade on Gaza, has not claimed responsibility for the recent attacks.

The ministers clarified:

“We recall that any violation of international law and human rights of the participants in the flotilla, including attacks against the vessels in international waters or illegal detention, will lead to accountability.”

Irish comedian Tadhg Hickey, aboard the flotilla’s largest ship, described the obstacles as proof of the mission’s determination.

“We leave despite setbacks, whether they’re coming from within and we just need to finetune stuff, or they’re more likely coming from without – from people who just don’t want this mission to happen. The message of today is we go on regardless, on boat, unbroken,” he said.

The flotilla is carrying over 300 participants, including parliamentarians from France, Brazil, Spain, Argentina, Algeria, Italy, and Germany, along with aid supplies such as baby formula and medical kits.

Spokesperson for the Global Sumud Flotilla Bruno Gilga put it plainly:

“We’re carrying a lot of humanitarian aid, but we’re also carrying a message of support from the peoples of the world that we are with the Palestinian people.”

Two support vessels are accompanying the flotilla: a legal observer ship with international lawyers, and Lifesaver 2, an Italian-based sea rescue ship, to ensure monitoring and safety during the voyage.

By Vafa Guliyeva