EMERGENCY condemns the serious actions of the Israeli naval forces against the Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0

EMERGENCY condemns the serious actions of the Israeli naval forces against the Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0, and has released the following statement:

"EMERGENCY condemns the military action carried out during the night of 29-30 April by Israeli naval forces against the Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0 in international waters, 960 kilometres from Gaza, where 22 civilian vessels laden with humanitarian aid were surrounded, intercepted and boarded by force. This attack constitutes a very serious violation of international maritime law, which guarantees freedom of navigation in international waters, and tramples on the fundamental principles of humanitarian rights, which require that the passage of aid to civilian populations be facilitated, not obstructed.

The attack on a mission that was explicitly non-violent, and the illegal detention of vessels and 175 crew members, are serious acts of intimidation against civil society, which is also mobilising to denounce the dire living conditions for the people of Gaza, including a ceasefire that has been declared but not respected, a lack of basic necessities and adequate food, and a collapsing healthcare system.

We call for immediate political and diplomatic action to ensure the safety of the Flotilla, which is operating in full compliance with international law.

In particular, we call on the Italian government and the European Union to provide diplomatic protection for the activists, to issue a formal condemnation, and to sever all commercial and military ties with Israel.

We have been present in the Gaza Strip since August 2024 with two healthcare projects and are direct witnesses to the desperate conditions the population are facing.

To break the isolation, last September we decided to support the vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla, including with our search and rescue ship Life Support.

Today we renew our support and solidarity. EMERGENCY is joining the Italian national demonstration and taking part in vigils, in defence of the Flotilla's mission and for the respect of fundamental rights in Gaza."