Gaza: The State of Palestine: The State of Palestine condemned Israel’s attack and aggression against the Global Sumud Flotilla, describing it as a violation of international law and norms, including the Convention on the Law of the Sea, humanitarian principles, and the human rights of the participants on board.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency – WAFA, a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates emphasized the State of Palestine’s grave concern about the safety of the more than 470 participants. The statement holds Israel fully responsible for their security and well-being as they deliver humanitarian aid to a besieged, starved, and bombed population under genocide.
The State of Palestine highlighted that the Global Sumud Flotilla is a peaceful, civilian-led initiative aimed at breaking Israel’s inhumane and illegal blockade of the Gaza Strip and ending its starvation policy and genocide, in accordance with international law.
It reiterated that Israel, whose occupation of Palestine was declared illegal by the International Court of Justice, has no authority or sovereignty over Palestine’s territorial waters extending from the Gaza Strip, nor over international waters.
The statement further asserts that the Global Sumud Flotilla has the right of free passage in international waters, and Israel must not interfere with its freedom of navigation, long recognized under international law.
The State of Palestine reaffirmed that the Global Sumud Flotilla is permitted to navigate Palestine’s territorial waters to deliver humanitarian aid. The statement commended the courageous participants for their determination to break Israel’s siege and end its genocide, while calling on the international community to provide them with protection.