Israel’s interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), en route to Gaza to deliver aid, has ignited strong international backlash, with protests taking place in cities across the world, including Istanbul, Athens, Buenos Aires, Rome, Berlin, and Madrid.
The flotilla, which included 500 activists from 44 countries, was attempting to break the blockade and deliver humanitarian support to Gaza, reports Al Jazeera and agencies.
Countries represented in the flotilla included the United States, United Kingdom, Belgium, Bangladesh, Spain, Malaysia, Turkey, and Colombia. The interception has prompted a range of reactions from world leaders, from calls for the release of detained citizens to severe condemnation of Israel’s actions.
The responses from international leaders have been swift and varied:
- Turkey: The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs denounced Israel’s action as “terrorism,” accusing the Israeli government of violating international law and putting innocent lives at risk. The ministry further criticized Israel’s expansion of its militaristic policies, claiming they are now targeting not just Palestinians but international citizens as well.
- Malaysia: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim condemned the Israeli intervention and called for the immediate release of Malaysian citizens detained in the operation. He vowed to pursue legal action to hold Israel accountable, accusing the country of trampling on global rights and international conscience.
- Colombia: In response, President Gustavo Petro announced the expulsion of Israeli diplomats and the termination of Colombia’s free trade agreement with Israel. He further vowed to take legal action through both Israeli courts and international channels to ensure the safe return of its citizens.
- Italy: Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani reported that Israel assured no violence would be used against the flotilla. However, unions in Italy have called for a general strike on Friday in solidarity with the flotilla participants and Gaza.
- Greece: Alongside Italy, Greece called for Israel to guarantee the safety of the flotilla participants and to grant them access to consular protection services, urging Israel to adhere to international norms.
Global Outrage Grows as Israel’s Action Against Flotilla Sparks Protests
The backlash continues as more countries join in:
- Ireland: President Michael D. Higgins expressed his concern over Israel’s actions, emphasizing the disruption to vital aid reaching Gaza. He called for collective responsibility among the international community to ensure the safety of those involved in the humanitarian mission.
- Belgium: Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot urged Israel to comply with international law and to prioritize the safety of the detained citizens. He stressed the importance of ensuring their swift return home.
- France: France’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs called on Israel to grant consular access to French citizens involved in the flotilla, demanding their immediate and safe return to France.
- United States: A group of 20 Democratic legislators in the US urged the Donald Trump’s administration to intervene to protect the flotilla participants and demand their release from Israeli detention.
While the United Nations has not officially commented, Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on Palestine, condemned the Israeli intervention. She highlighted the West’s lack of action regarding Israel’s blockade on Gaza, calling the interception of the flotilla an example of Israel’s illegal actions.
