Ministers express concern for Global Sumud Flotilla's safety
In a unified expression of concern, Foreign Ministers from a coalition of fifteen nations have issued a strong statement regarding the safety of the Global Sumud Flotilla.
Image: Lluis Gene / AFP
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Ireland, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, Mexico, Pakistan, Qatar, Oman, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain and Türkiye have expressed their concern about the security of the Global Sumud Flotilla.
The Global Sumud Flotilla is a coordinated, non-violent fleet of mostly small vessels sailing from ports across the Mediterranean to break the Israeli siege of Gaza.
The historic international coalition represents more than 40 countries united in a mission of peaceful resistance to Israel’s blockade of Gaza.
"The Global Sumud Flotilla has informed about its objective of delivering humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip and raising awareness about the urgent humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people and the need to stop the war in Gaza.
"Both objectives, peace and humanitarian aid delivery, together with the respect of international law, including humanitarian law, are shared by our governments," said the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation in a statement.
The department called on everyone to refrain from any unlawful or violent act against the Flotilla, and to respect international law and international humanitarian law.
"...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," read the statement.
Last week two of the Global Sumud Flotilla boats were targeted by drone attacks.
On Monday two of the South African delegates set sail from Tunisia with hundreds of other delegates on the Global Sumud Flotilla.
The initial group of South African delegates included Elham Mouaffak Hatfield, Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela, Fatima Hendricks, Reaaz Moola, Nurain Saloojee, Jared Sacks, Zukiswa Wanner, Fazel Behra, Zaheera Soomar, and Irshaad Ahmed Chothia.
Durban humanitarian Mouaffak-Hatfield, 47, said unfortunately due to a reduction in the number of boats and technical issues, she was unable to travel on the flotilla.
"After many delays we were told only a certain number could go from each country. We then voted who should go from our group. We are happy with those that are going. Others are on standby if a spot is made available.
"I am extremely disappointed, but most importantly is that people can hear us. I will not give up on the cause. I am following the others who have gone. They need safety and security and for an open corridor for humanitarian aid," said Mouffak-Hatfield.
Mouffak-Hatfield is pleading for an end to the the ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis in Gaza.