DUBAI: International leaders have strongly criticized Israel’s interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a convoy of around 45 vessels carrying humanitarian aid and activists attempting to reach Gaza, where the United Nations has warned of famine conditions.
Israeli naval forces began intercepting the ships on Wednesday, citing the waters as part of its blockade. By Thursday, at least 39 vessels had been intercepted or were assumed to have been intercepted, according to the flotilla’s tracking system.
South Africa
President Cyril Ramaphosa called on Israel to immediately release the detained activists, including Nelson Mandela’s grandson, and ensure the safe delivery of the flotilla’s aid.
“The interception of the flotilla in international waters is contrary to international law and violates the sovereignty of every nation whose flag was flown on the vessels,” he said.
