(Reuters) – Israeli forces stopped several boats carrying foreign activists and aid bound for Gaza, flotilla organisers said on Thursday, but other vessels continue to sail towards the Palestinian enclave, according to the flotilla’s tracking system.
Here are some reactions from around the world: FLOTILLA ORGANISERS, IN A STATEMENT:
“Multiple vessels … were illegally intercepted and boarded by Israeli Occupation Forces in international waters.”
MARCH TO GAZA GREECE, A MEMBER OF THE FLOTILLA:
“These are repeated acts of piracy in violation of international law and the law of the sea.
“The Greek government has a responsibility to guarantee the safety of the crews and to take all necessary action to protect the Greek men and women on board.”
ISRAELI FOREIGN MINISTRY ON X:
“Hamas-Sumud passengers on their yachts are making their way safely and peacefully to Israel, where their deportation procedures to Europe will begin. The passengers are safe and in good health.”
PALESTINIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY, IN STATEMENT:
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry spokesperson condemned the interception of the flotilla as a violation of international law, asserting that Israel had neither authority nor sovereignty over Palestinian “territorial waters”, including those off the coast of the Gaza Strip.
GAZA’S DOMINANT PALESTINIAN MILITANT GROUP HAMAS:
Hamas, in a statement, expressed support for the flotilla activists and denounced Israel’s interception of the flotilla as a “criminal act”, calling for public protests to condemn Israel.
BRITISH FOREIGN OFFICE SPOKESPERSON, IN STATEMENT:
“We have been in contact with the Israeli authorities to make clear that we expect the situation to be resolved safely, in line with international law and with due respect for the rights of all those on board.
“The aid carried by the flotilla should be turned over to humanitarian organisations on the ground to be delivered safely into Gaza. It is the responsibility of the Israeli government to resolve the atrocious humanitarian crisis in Gaza. That means immediately and unconditionally lifting restrictions on aid so that the U.N. and NGOs can deliver food, medicine and other essentials to civilians in desperate need.”
SOUTH AFRICAN PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA, IN STATEMENT:
“The interception in international waters off the coast of Gaza reinforces Israel’s continued violation of international law and infliction of suffering, including starvation, on the Palestinian people…
“(It is) another grave offence by Israel of global solidarity and sentiment that is aimed at relieving suffering in Gaza and advancing peace in the region…
“South Africa calls on Israel to ensure that the life-saving cargo transported by this flotilla reaches the people of Gaza, as the flotilla represents solidarity with Gaza, not confrontation with Israel.”
COLOMBIAN PRESIDENT GUSTAVO PETRO ON X:
“If this information is true, there is a new international crime by (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu.”
MALAYSIAN PRIME MINISTER ANWAR IBRAHIM:
“By blocking a humanitarian mission, Israel has shown utter contempt not only for the rights of the Palestinian people but also for the conscience of the world. The flotilla embodies solidarity, compassion and the hope of relief for those under blockade.”
(Compiled by Reuters bureaux; editing by Janet Lawrence and Mark Heinrich)
