Pakistan and nine other countries have jointly condemned Israel’s interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla, describing the action as a violation of international law and a threat to humanitarian efforts aimed at assisting Palestinians in Gaza.
In a joint statement issued by the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Turkiye, Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Jordan, Libya, Maldives and Spain, the countries criticised Israel’s actions against what they described as a peaceful civilian initiative intended to highlight the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Read More: Israeli forces detain Pakistani activist aboard Gaza aid flotilla near
The statement strongly condemned renewed Israeli assaults on the flotilla and expressed concern over previous interventions against similar aid missions in international waters.
The ministers said attacks on civilian vessels and the detention of humanitarian activists represented violations of both international law and international humanitarian law.
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Joint Statement by the Foreign Ministers of Pakistan, Türkiye, Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Jordan, Libya, Maldives, and Spain Regarding the Israeli Assaults on the Global Sumud Flotilla, 18th May 2026 pic.twitter.com/TS99F2w31n
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) May 19, 2026
They also voiced serious concern over the safety and security of civilians onboard the flotilla and called for the immediate release of all detained activists, while demanding respect for their rights and dignity.
The statement further said repeated targeting of humanitarian missions reflected disregard for freedom of navigation and accountability under international law.
Among those detained was Saad Edhi, son of philanthropist Faisal Edhi and grandson of late humanitarian Abdul Sattar Edhi, who was taken into custody by Israeli forces along with other participants after the boats were intercepted in the eastern Mediterranean.
Reports indicate nationals from several countries, including Indonesia and Ireland, were also aboard the flotilla.
Israel defended the move, saying it would not allow any attempt to breach its naval blockade on Gaza, which has been in place since 2007.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the interception, describing it as a successful operation to uphold the blockade and prevent what he called an attempt to assist Hamas.
Read More: Israel intercepts Gaza-bound aid flotilla at seaz
The flotilla had departed from southern Turkiye on its third attempt to deliver aid to Gaza after earlier missions were similarly intercepted.
The incident comes as Gaza continues to face severe shortages of food, medicine and essential supplies amid the ongoing conflict.