A coalition of sixteen nations, including the Maldives, has issued a joint statement expressing grave concern over the safety of a civilian-led humanitarian flotilla bound for the Gaza Strip, Palestine. The governments warned that any obstruction in international waters would constitute a breach of international law and would prompt calls for accountability.
The initiative, known as the 'Global Sumud Flotilla', is described as a civil society mission aimed at delivering essential humanitarian aid and “raising awareness about the urgent humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people”. Participants include citizens from 44 countries, among them human rights activists, members of the European Parliament, and other public figures.
Support for the mission was formally expressed by the foreign ministers of Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Ireland, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, Mexico, Pakistan, Qatar, Oman, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, and Türkiye. In their coordinated declaration, the ministers affirmed alignment with the flotilla’s peaceful objectives and humanitarian mandate.
The statement also called for an end to what it described as the genocidal war in Gaza. “We therefore call on everyone to refrain from any unlawful or violent act against the Flotilla, to respect international law and international humanitarian law,” the statement reads.
The ministers issued a direct warning to Israel against actions that would contravene international legal norms. “Any violation of international law and human rights of the participants in the Flotilla, including attacks against the vessels in international waters or illegal detention, will lead to accountability,” the statement continued.
The flotilla’s declared aim is to challenge the longstanding blockade of Gaza and facilitate the delivery of food and other critical supplies. Backed by sixteen governments representing a broad cross-section of the international community, the non-governmental effort has been framed as a lawful and peaceful humanitarian undertaking.