Maldives and 10 other nations condemn Israel assault on Flotilla and detention of activists

Maldives and 10 other nations have condemned the Israeli assault on the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla, aimed at providing humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people in the besieged city.

In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of Maldives, Brazil, Jordan, Pakistan, Spain, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Colombia, South Africa, Türkiye and Libya condemned the Israeli assault on the Global Sumud Flotilla, which they described as a a peaceful civilian humanitarian initiative aimed at drawing the attention of the international community to the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, in the strongest terms.

The statement stressed that the Israeli attacks against the vessels and the unlawful detention of humanitarian activists in international waters constitute flagrant violations of international law and international humanitarian law.

Concerns were also raised regarding the safety of the civilian activists and urge the Israeli authorities to take the necessary measures to ensure their immediate release.

The ministers called on the international community to fulfill their moral and legal obligations to uphold international law, protect civilians, and ensure accountability for these violations.

The flotilla, part of the Global Sumud Flotilla’s Spring 2026 mission, departed from Sicily, Italy, on Sunday, carrying humanitarian aid intended to challenge the Israeli blockade on Gaza.

According to flotilla officials, the vessels were carrying 345 participants representing 39 countries.

Israeli naval forces intercepted more than 20 vessels in the flotilla in international waters on Wednesday night, approximately 45 nautical miles off the island of Crete, Greece, and about 600 nautical miles from Gaza. Reports indicate that more than 175 activists of various nationalities were detained and taken to Israel.

According to information from the Greenpeace vessel “Arctic Sunrise,” which provided logistical support for the journey, Israeli forces reportedly jammed the vessels’ communication systems—specifically VHF and GNSS signals—placing them in a dangerous and precarious situation at sea.

In a subsequent statement, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said the activists taken by Israeli forces from the Global Sumud Flotilla will be disembarked on the Greek coast.

The current aid mission represents the Global Sumud Flotilla’s second initiative, following a previous attempt in September 2025 that ended with what organizers described as an act of Israeli piracy on the high seas and the abduction of hundreds of international activists.

The Global Sumud Flotilla is an international movement established in mid-last year. The term “Sumud,” derived from Arabic, signifies steadfastness and resilience. The flotilla’s primary objective is to challenge the blockade imposed by Israel on Gaza and to deliver critical humanitarian assistance, including food, medical supplies, and essential items such as infant formula.

This year’s voyage represents one of the largest civil society-led maritime initiatives in history, involving more than 50 vessels departing from various European countries. The mission included participants from over 70 nations. The vessels were reported to be carrying substantial quantities of flour, rice, medical kits, and other essential supplies, including mobility aids such as crutches.

The scale of the operation reflects the severity of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. This year, famine conditions have become widespread across the territory. Data from the United Nations and other international organizations indicate that thousands of children are suffering from life-threatening malnutrition. With limited access to clean drinking water and a severely compromised healthcare system, civilians are facing extreme living conditions.

Maritime aid delivery has become essential due to continued restrictions on humanitarian assistance entering Gaza via land routes.

Israeli intervention in similar missions is not without precedent. Following early efforts by the “Free Gaza Movement” in 2008, the most deadly incident occurred in 2010, when Israeli forces boarded vessels in the “Freedom Flotilla” in international waters, resulting in the deaths of nine Turkish activists.

In subsequent years, including 2024 and 2025, vessels such as “Handala” and “Madleen” were also intercepted in international waters, with those on board detained. Human rights organizations have argued that such actions constitute violations of international law.