London, 30th April 2026– Last night, Israeli forces illegally attacked and intercepted vessels participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters, damaging boats, stranding hundreds on board, and detaining activists at gunpoint. ICJP calls on the UK Government to take urgent action to protect UK citizens and other global humanitarian civilians who are under attack.
The flotilla had sought to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza at a time when Palestinian people continue to face malnutrition and starvation, due to Israel’s intentional restriction of humanitarian aid, as part of its genocide against the Palestinian people in Gaza.
Israeli forces smashed vessels and forcibly intercepted the flotilla, preventing it from continuing its mission to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. Activists were detained following the assault, in a deliberate effort to disrupt and punish attempts to stop the Israeli blockade.
This is a clear example of Israel’s continued disregard for international law. The targeting of civilian vessels and detention of unarmed activists, including British citizens, raises further concerns in the context of the enforcement of the Gaza blockade.
The UK Government must unequivocally condemn Israel’s latest aggression, following the suit of countries such as Italy. Inaction would put at risk the international rules-based order and all other vessels sailing at international waters. Norms of Law of the sea are mostly customary ones by which states have abided by for years now.
ICJP calls for Israel return all seized vessels and to immediately release the reported 175 people from 55 countries who have been detained. Reportedly, at least 22 boats were intercepted, and approximately 36 boats are still sailing.
In June 2025, ICJP also wrote to the Foreign Office, highlighting how Israel’s conduct targeting the previous Gaza Freedom Flotilla was in stark violation of international legal norms. In that case, Israel targeted the Madleen, a UK-flagged ship, amounting to an attack against the territorial jurisdiction and sovereignty of the UK.
ICJP also asked the Foreign Office what measures the UK would put in place to ensure the protection of future British vessels undertaking humanitarian missions operating in international water nearby occupied Palestinian waters. It is clear that its inaction on that matter has directly led to Israel’s continued impunity, meaning the UK Government must be held responsible for its role in failing to protect UK citizens.
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
- ICJP is a legal organisation based in London, working to uphold international law and defend the rights of Palestinians.
- For more information or for media inquiries, please contact the ICJP news desk at [email protected].
