After bombing Global Sumud, Israel claims the flotilla is ‘pursuing violence’
UN, EU condemn use of force against Gaza-bound aid flotilla
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The United Nations and the European Union on Wednesday condemned attacks on the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was intercepted off the coast of Greece while en route to Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid.
A spokesperson for the European Commission, Eva Hrncirova, said: “The freedom of navigation under international law must be upheld. … So, no attacks, no drone strikes, no seizures. Any use of force against the flotilla is not acceptable.” She added: “We respect the humanitarian commitment of the people who are on board the flotilla.”
Italy also strongly condemned the attack. Its Defence Minister, Guido Crosetto confirmed that a navy frigate has been activated to be on hand for possible rescue operations.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights called for stopping these attacks, stating that “those responsible for violations must be held to account,” and also demanded an “independent, impartial, and thorough investigation.”
According to informed sources, three drones flew over the Omar Al-Mukhtar vessel, which was sailing alone to join the flotilla — raising serious concerns among its crew.
UN Human Rights Office spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan said: “Attacks and threats against those trying to deliver aid to and support the hundreds of thousands of people in Gaza who are suffering famine and starvation defy belief.”
Activists on board reported that Israeli forces attacked the flotilla using flash bombs, flares, and suspected chemical substances. They said multiple drone strikes occurred, with explosions heard near the Greek coast.
READ: Spain joins Italy in dispatching navy vessel to back humanitarian flotilla for Gaza
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Gaza aid flotilla vows to pursue Israel at ICC over drone assaults
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The Global Sumud Flotilla announced Wednesday that its legal team will take Israel to the International Criminal Court (ICC) after repeated drone assaults on its vessels bound for the blockaded Gaza Strip, Anadolu reports.
Abdelhaq Benqadi, a Moroccan lawyer representing the Arab Lawyers Union aboard the mission, said the team is compiling evidence of “war crimes at sea,” including the types and numbers of drones used, electronic jamming, the munitions deployed, and the resulting damage.
He noted that a comprehensive report will be submitted to The Hague.
Organizers earlier reported 12 blasts hitting nine ships in international waters after drones repeatedly targeted the flotilla. While the group did not attribute responsibility, Israel – which has threatened to block the mission from reaching Gaza – has not commented.
“This is a full-fledged war crime, and the ICC must act,” Benqadi wrote in a post on the US social media company Facebook.
READ: Gaza aid flotilla comes under drone attacks
Israel has a record of intercepting aid vessels bound for Gaza, seizing ships and deporting activists in actions widely condemned as piracy.
The case comes as Israel already faces mounting legal scrutiny. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is hearing South Africa’s genocide case over Gaza, where more than 65,400 people, mostly women and children, have been killed in a brutal offensive since October 2023.
In November 2024, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
The current flotilla, carrying humanitarian supplies including medical aid, is among the largest ever to sail for Gaza, with nearly 50 ships attempting to break Israel’s 18-year blockade on the enclave’s 2.4 million residents.
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Breaking: Spain joins Italy in sending warship to support Gaza-bound humanitarian flotilla