Doha/Ankara/New Delhi: Sixteen countries whose citizens are part of the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla have raised serious concerns about its safety, urging strict adherence to international and humanitarian law.
In a joint statement to the Xinhua News Agency , the foreign ministers of Qatar, Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Ireland, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, Mexico, Pakistan, Oman, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, and Türkiye warned that any attack on the flotilla or unlawful detention of its participants would invite accountability.
They stressed that the flotilla’s purpose is to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and highlight the urgent need to halt the ongoing war. “Our governments share both objectives, peace and humanitarian aid delivery, along with respect for international law, including humanitarian law,” the statement read.
The appeal comes amid reports of two drone attacks on the flotilla’s vessels in Tunisian waters before its departure. One such incident involved the Alma, a boat sailing under the British flag, which suffered fire damage to its top deck. All passengers and crew, however, remained safe. Earlier, the Family boat carrying members of the flotilla’s steering committee was also struck.
The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) is considered the largest civilian maritime mission to Gaza, comprising over 50 vessels and thousands of participants from more than 44 countries. It departed from European ports in August, stopping in Tunisia before sailing towards Gaza.
The flotilla includes several well-known personalities such as climate activist Greta Thunberg and former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau.
Since March 2, 2025, Israel has maintained a complete blockade on Gaza, halting the entry of food, medicine, and fuel—moves widely described as violations of international humanitarian law. Earlier attempts this year by activists to deliver aid by sea were also blocked by Israel.
Meanwhile, more than 150 parliamentarians, MEPs, and senators across Europe have urged their foreign ministries to take immediate steps to ensure the protection of flotilla participants.
As the vessels head towards Gaza, the joint statement by the 16 nations has intensified international calls to safeguard the mission and uphold the principles of humanitarian law.
