The Ministers of Foreign Affairs from several countries have expressed concern for the safety of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which involves citizens from their countries and carries critical aid to Gaza.
Global Sumud Flotilla is an international, civil society-led maritime initiative launched in June this year, built on decades of Palestinian resistance and international solidarity.
“The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Ireland, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, Mexico, Pakistan, Qatar, Oman, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, and Türkiye have expressed concern for the safety of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which involves citizens from their countries and carries critical aid to Gaza,” the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said on Tuesday.
According to the department, the movement has outlined its goal of delivering humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip and raising awareness about the urgent needs of the Palestinian people, as well as the necessity of ending the conflict in Gaza.
France24 reported yesterday that a convoy of about 20 boats carrying aid and pro-Palestinian activists, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, was preparing to depart from Tunisia in an attempt to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza.
Despite delays and drone attacks, the flotilla’s mission is to establish a humanitarian corridor to Gaza and demonstrate global solidarity.
“We, therefore, call on everyone to refrain from any unlawful or violent act against the flotilla, to respect international law and international humanitarian law.
“We recall that 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 read.
In addition, the department emphasised that the goals of peace and humanitarian assistance, alongside respect for international and humanitarian law, are shared by these governments. – SAnews.gov.za
