Gaza Sumud Flotilla unlawfully intercepted: Home Secretary’s comments are ‘utterly shameful’
London 3rd October – Israel’s unlawful interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), which was peacefully attempting to break Israel’s illegal naval blockade of Gaza and deliver essential humanitarian aid to Palestinians suffering from famine and genocide, is a forceful act of intimidation and a further example of Israel’s starvation of Palestinian people.
The GSF was comprised of 44 vessels carrying humanitarian aid (food, medical supplies, and essential items) and nearly 500 activists, lawyers, and parliamentarians from dozens of countries.
The flotilla was attacked by drones, subject to harassing manoeuvres by Israeli warships and had its communications systems disabled before the activists were eventually detained. The final vessel, Marinette, was stopped 42.5 nautical miles from Gaza this morning. Within 38 hours, all 44 vessels were intercepted. This follows Israel’s illegal interception of the Madleen flotilla in June, and the Handala in July.
The flotilla was carrying humanitarian aid including baby formula, food and medicine, to deliver to Gaza, which has been classified as in a state of famine by the UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification since August.
By intercepting the peaceful delivery of humanitarian aid by the GSF, Israel has once again acted with impunity. This is illegal under international law, which recognises the right of any vessel to navigate the high seas. This right should remain free from unlawful acts of interception by Israeli naval forces.
Israel’s repeated calls for the flotilla to deliver its aid to Israeli ports for distribution to Gaza is wholly disingenuous, given the rapid spread of famine and severe malnutrition across the besieged strip, as well as Israel’s systematic use of starvation as a weapon of war, which it has used to carry out genocide in Gaza.
Footage shows detained peace activists sat cross legged in rows at an Israeli port, whilst extremist far right Israeli Minister Itamar Ben Gvir screamed at them that they were ‘terrorists’. The Times reports that they will now be rounded up and sent to the notorious Ketziot prison in the Negev Desert, whilst they await deportation. Ketziot is infamous due to its reputation for the violent treatment and torture of Palestinian inmates.
Whilst demonstrations were held in the UK protesting Israel’s actions, the British Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood called for demonstrators to ‘step back’ and called protesters ‘Un-British.’ This is reckless and divisive rhetoric from the Home Secretary that diminishes and normalises flagrant abuses of international law.
ICJP’s Public Affairs and Communications Officer Órlaith Roe said:
“Israel’s illegal interception and unlawful detention of hundreds of peaceful humanitarians, attempting to deliver essential items – such as baby formula and medicine – to starving and suffering Palestinians, is yet another example of its dangerous impunity.
Meanwhile, the Home Secretary’s reckless, divisive and frankly shameful comments diminish and normalise these flagrant abuses of international law. If she considers protesting against the blockade of aid during a famine as ‘un-British’, she should perhaps take some time to re-consider her interpretation of ‘British values’.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
1. The International Centre of Justice for Palestinians is an independent organisation of lawyers, politicians and academics who support the rights of Palestinians and aim to protect their rights through the law.
2. For more information, to arrange an interview with a spokesperson, or to view a full copy of the letter, please contact the ICJP news desk at press@icjpalestine.com.