Flotilla interception sparks global outcry
Staff Reporter :
Tens of thousands of people in different countries are demonstrating in the streets for the interception of vessels heading towards Gaza to provide aid for the distressed people.
According to Globa Sumud Flottila, the Israeli occupation naval forces illegally intercepted vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla – a peaceful, non-violent convoy carrying food, baby formula, medicine, and volunteers from 47 countries to Gaza – hundreds of participants have been abducted and reportedly taken aboard the large naval vessel.
Witnesses said Israeli naval units used water cannons, electronic jamming, and physical barriers to prevent the flotilla from moving forward.
GSF denounced the action as an “illegal abduction” in violation of international law and a continuation of Israel’s unlawful blockade on Gaza.
“Intercepting humanitarian vessels in international waters is a war crime,” GSF said in a statement.
“Every attempt to repress our mission only strengthens our determination to break Israel’s siege and stand with the people of Gaza.”
Among those detained is Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, while renowned Bangladeshi photographer and activist Shahidul Alam is also on board the mission.
Writing from his vessel on his facebook, Alam said: “I am the first person from Bangladesh to join this journey, but I carry the love of my entire nation. What is happening in Gaza is genocide. If we lose this struggle, humanity itself will be defeated.”
In another post, he urged people everywhere to resist, saying, “The people of Gaza are relying on us to provide justice. World leaders have failed them long ago.”
The Embassy of the State of Palestine in Dhaka praised Alam’s role, calling him a fearless voice for justice and saluting his participation in the historic mission.
As part of the protest, Bangladesh Youth Synergy Alliance has announced an event titled ‘Protests against Israel’s attack on Sumud Flotilla and ongoing genocide’ to be held at Manik Mia Avenue in the capital at 3pm.
Meanwhile, Israel’s Foreign Ministry defended the interception, claiming the flotilla was “approaching an active combat zone and violating a lawful naval blockade.” It said aid would be delivered through “safe channels,” dismissing the convoy as a political stunt.
But governments and civil society across the world have condemned Israel’s actions. Protests erupted in Greece, Italy, Germany, Tunisia, and Turkey. Leaders from Latin America to Europe denounced the operation as unlawful and dangerous.
Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused Israel of committing crimes against humanity, while Spain’s Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Díaz called the interception “a crime against international law” and urged the European Union to sever ties with Israel.
Spain’s foreign minister summoned Israel’s top diplomat in Madrid to demand answers, noting that 65 Spaniards were aboard.
Ireland’s deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris said the mission was “peaceful” and called for international law to be respected.
Colombia’s president Gustavo Petro went further, expelling all remaining Israeli diplomats from Bogotá.
Brazil, Mexico, Malaysia, and Pakistan also strongly condemned the naval operation, with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif describing it as a “dastardly attack” that must end immediately.
In Europe and Australia, governments expressed concern for their citizens aboard the flotilla.
The British Foreign Office said it was in contact with families of detainees and called for the aid to be delivered safely. Human rights organiSations have been equally forceful.
Amnesty International described Israel’s move as a “calculated act of intimidation” meant to silence critics of its Gaza blockade, while UN Human Rights chief Volker Türk urged Israel to lift the siege and allow life-saving supplies to reach civilians “without hindrance.”
Despite the assault, organizers of the Global Sumud Flotilla insist their mission is not over. “Our resolve only grows stronger,” their statement read.
“Every attack on our movement brings us closer to breaking the siege and ending the genocide in Gaza.”