Global Outcry as Israel Blocks Gaza-Bound Humanitarian Flotilla
DUBAI, Oct 2: Israel has come under sharp international criticism for intercepting the Global Sumud Flotilla, a convoy of about 45 vessels carrying humanitarian aid and activists bound for Gaza, where the United Nations has repeatedly warned of looming famine conditions.
Israeli naval forces began stopping the ships on Wednesday, declaring the waters part of its blockade. By Thursday, at least 39 vessels had either been intercepted or were presumed to have been, according to the flotilla’s official tracker.
President Cyril Ramaphosa urged Israel to immediately release all detained activists, including Nelson Mandela’s grandson, and allow the safe passage of aid.
“The interception of the flotilla in international waters is contrary to international law and violates the sovereignty of every nation whose flag was flown on the vessels,” Ramaphosa said.
South Africa has been a leading critic of Israel’s actions in Gaza, filing a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice earlier this year, allegations Israel has denied.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan denounced the interceptions as “acts of aggression,” while the Turkish Foreign Ministry described them as “terrorism in international waters.”
Ankara vowed to protect Turkish nationals aboard the flotilla and pursue legal measures to hold Israel accountable.
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry condemned the blockade, saying Israel had no authority over Gaza’s territorial waters. Hamas called the interception a “criminal act” and urged global protests.
A spokesperson for the UK Foreign Office said Britain had engaged with Israeli authorities to ensure the situation is resolved in line with international law. The official stressed that humanitarian aid on board should be delivered to relief organizations operating in Gaza.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim accused Israel of showing “utter contempt” for humanitarian norms and Palestinian rights. He described the flotilla as a mission of “solidarity and hope” for Gaza’s besieged population.
The flotilla’s organizers reported that multiple ships were “illegally intercepted and boarded by Israeli forces in international waters.” A Greek participant likened the actions to “repeated piracy in violation of international law.”
Israel’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that detained activists, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, were being transported to an Israeli port for processing before deportation to Europe.
The incident has intensified international scrutiny of Israel’s Gaza blockade, with calls mounting for urgent accountability under international humanitarian law.