Tehran – International response has been growing after Israeli occupation forces stormed the world’s Smood fleet.
The attack sparked widespread condemnation, diplomatic concerns and calls of accountability from governments and organizations around the world. Below are some of those reactions.
Flotilla Organizer
The global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) has confirmed that all 461 people on the fleet have been “took” in international waters to resist the Israeli siege of Gaza.
GSF participants have been intercepted and lured by Israeli forces for their bold sailing against the illegal blockade of Gaza. They are now facing imprisonment – punished for their solidarity and courage. ”
Palestine
The Palestinian authorities’ foreign ministry said it “condemns Israel’s attacks and attacks against the global smooth fleet.”
In a social media post, the ministry added, “The fleet has the right to free passage in international waters, and Israel must not interfere with the freedom of voyage that has long been recognized under international law.”
Hamas
The Hamas Resistance Movement said the incident was a “terrorist act” and “part of an explicit Zionist attempt to stop international supporters from carrying out their humanitarian mission to provide assistance to Palestinians besieged by the Gaza Strip, and is exposed to a systematic campaign of extinction and hunger.”
united nations
The UN Special Rapporteur on Palestine said Israeli intervention in the fleet highlighted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Western inaction against the government.
“When I see the illegal abduction of Israel, the only person who risked his life to break the illegal blockade of Israel, my thoughts are with the people of Gaza trapped in the Israeli murder field,” Albanese said.
“First and foremost shame the Western government and their conspiracy inaction.”
Pakistan
Prime Minister Shebaz Sharif has condemned the “dastardly attack” by Israeli occupation forces.
“This wildness must end. Peace must be given a chance, and humanitarian aid must reach those in need.”
Columbia
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has announced that his government has expelled Israeli diplomats and has cancelled Colombian free trade agreements in light of the actions of the Israeli occupation regime.
He said Colombia must “pursuing all appropriate requests through Israeli courts.”
South Africa
President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized that “intercepting in international waters off the coast of Gaza will intensify continued violations of Israeli international law and violations of suffering, including starvation, against the Palestinian people.”
“(It’s) another serious crime of global solidarity and sentiment by Israel aims to ease the suffering of Gaza and advance regional peace.
Malaysia
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said, “By hindering its humanitarian mission, Israel has shown a complete empt not only on the rights of the Palestinian people, but also on the conscience of the world.
turkey
The Turkish Foreign Ministry said “attacks carried out by Israeli forces in international waters against the Samud Fleet of the world, which sailed to deliver humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza, constitute an act of terrorism that violates international law and endangers the lives of innocent civilians.”
“The attack, which targeted civilians who were acting peacefully without resorting to violence, shows that the fascist and militarist policies pursued by the Netanyahu government of the massacre that denounced Gaza for starvation, are not limited to Palestinians, but extend to all who resist Israeli oppression.
“Legal measures are … pursued to hold the perpetrators of this attack accountable.”
Ireland
“In recent weeks, there has been a large consensus among UN members that the Palestinian state should be recognized as an essential building block for peace in the region,” President Michael D. Higgins said.
If more than 40 boats and more than 500 people in the international community seeking humanitarian aid are being prevented from achieving their humanitarian goals, namely those with desperate needs, water, medicine and food, you might ask where this commitment is now. ”
Spain
Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares summoned the Israeli Chargé d’affaires.
Alvarez demanded “immediate release” of dozens of Spaniards detained by the Israeli occupation.
“They pose no threat, they weren’t going to harass anyone or commit any kind of illegal activity. They should not be charged with anything,” he said.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez repeatedly called upon his arrival at the Danish summit, emphasizing that his government will “consider all sorts of actions” against the Israeli regime.
France
Europe and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have called on the Israeli government to participate in access to the fleet to consular services and grant French citizens “allowing them to return to France without undue delay.”
The French resignation party accused Israel of “piracy against the global Samudian fleet.”
Party leader Jean Luc Mellenchon has accused French foreign minister Jean Noel Barott of “incompetent fools” and siding with Netanyahu. “(Barrot) brings shame to our country,” he said.
Belgium
Foreign Minister Maxim Prebat called on Israel to respect international law.
He said his top priority was to “ensure that our fellow-people rights are respected, their safety is guaranteed and that we can return home as soon as possible.
UK
A statement from the UK Foreign Office said: “Aid carried by the fleet should be handed over to humanitarian organisations on the ground for safe delivery to Gaza.
“It is the responsibility of the Israeli government to resolve Gaza’s heinous humanitarian crisis. It means immediately and unconditionally lifting the restrictions on aid so that the UN and NGOs can reach civilians with their desperate needs.”
Amnesty International
The international rights group said “illegal interception of Israel’s global smooth fleet shows its determination to continue the deliberately hungry Palestinians in Gaza.”
Director General Agnes Caramado said, “This interception does not only interfere with aid. It is a calculated threatening act aimed at punishing and silencing critics of the Israeli massacre and the illegal blockade of Gaza. It has been significantly tightened since October 2023.”
“The time of mere condemnation is over. States around the world must now act and make it clear that they will not tolerate the systemic hunger of Palestinians in Gaza.