By Staff Reporter
The State of Palestine has strongly condemned Israel’s latest act of aggression against the Global Sumud Flotilla, describing it as a blatant violation of international law, humanitarian principles, and the rights of civilians. The interception of the humanitarian mission contravenes the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and other binding international norms, underscoring Israel’s continued disregard for global legal frameworks.
On Wednesday, 1 October 2025, at approximately 8:30 pm Gaza time, multiple vessels belonging to the Global Sumud Flotilla—including the Alma, Surius, and Adara—were forcibly intercepted in international waters by Israeli Occupation Forces. Heavily armed Israeli naval units boarded the ships despite their civilian and humanitarian mandate. The State of Palestine expressed grave concern for the safety of more than 470 participants on board, stressing that Israel bears full responsibility for their security and wellbeing. The flotilla’s mission was to deliver urgent humanitarian aid to Gaza, where the population continues to suffer under a prolonged blockade, widespread starvation, and relentless bombardments that amount to genocide.
The Global Sumud Flotilla is a peaceful, civilian-led initiative rooted in the principles of solidarity and international law. Its primary objective is to challenge and ultimately dismantle Israel’s unlawful blockade of Gaza. By delivering food, medical supplies, and other humanitarian assistance, the flotilla seeks to alleviate the suffering of Palestinians and to expose Israel’s starvation policy, which has been widely condemned by international human rights organizations.
The State of Palestine emphasized that Israel, whose occupation was declared illegal by the International Court of Justice, possesses neither sovereignty nor legal authority over Palestine’s territorial waters or international waters. Under established international maritime law, the Global Sumud Flotilla enjoys the right of free passage, and Israel has no lawful grounds to interfere with its navigation. Furthermore, the flotilla has the full right to enter Palestine’s territorial waters off the coast of Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid.
Reports indicate that prior to the illegal boarding, Israeli naval forces deliberately disrupted the ships’ communication systems, preventing distress calls and blocking live-stream broadcasts of the assault. While three vessels have been confirmed intercepted, live communication has been lost with several others, raising fears for the safety of additional participants and crew members. Efforts are currently underway to account for all those involved, and updates will be provided as soon as details regarding detentions, injuries, or possible casualties are confirmed.
The State of Palestine praised the courage and determination of the flotilla participants, commending their commitment to breaking the siege and resisting Israel’s genocidal policies. It further called upon governments, world leaders, and international institutions to urgently intervene, demand the immediate safety and release of all those detained, and ensure accountability for Israel’s attack on unarmed humanitarians in international waters.
