Spanish PM urges EU action after Israel intercepts Gaza-bound aid flotilla

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has strongly condemned Israel over its actions against the “Global Sumud Flotilla,” accusing it of violating international law.

According to Caliber.Az, Sánchez made the remarks in a post on X, stating that Israel is “once again violating international law” by attacking a vessel in international waters. He added that the Spanish government is taking steps to protect and assist Spanish citizens who were among those detained.

Israel vuelve a violar la legalidad internacional al asaltar una flotilla civil en aguas que no le pertenecen.

Nuestro Gobierno está haciendo todo lo necesario para proteger y asistir a los españoles retenidos.

Pero con eso no basta. La UE tiene que suspender el acuerdo de…

— Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) April 30, 2026

Sánchez also called on the European Union to adopt stronger measures, including the immediate suspension of the EU–Israel Association Agreement, and to demand compliance with maritime law.

“The EU must immediately suspend the Association Agreement and demand that Netanyahu respect the law in our seas,” the prime minister wrote.

The statement follows reports from April 30 that Israeli forces intercepted a flotilla carrying humanitarian aid bound for the Gaza Strip in international waters near Crete.

The flotilla had departed from Barcelona on April 12. According to its official website, the mission was described as a “carefully structured civilian intervention at a moment of escalating violence and humanitarian crisis.”

The Global Sumud Flotilla has previously attempted to deliver aid to Gaza. In October last year, Israeli forces intercepted a similar mission, boarding vessels and detaining hundreds of participants, including Swedish activist Greta Thunberg.

By Tamilla Hasanova