As part of the civil fleet engaged in search and rescue operations in the Central Mediterranean, all our eyes are on the genocide in Gaza. Two weeks ago, we all witnessed what happened to the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF). More than 500 unarmed international civilians, including human rights defenders, medics, parliamentarians, activists, and journalists from over 40 countries, sailed together with the goal to save lives, give hope, and establish a humanitarian aid corridor to Gaza.

These humanitarian activists were previously defamed and misrepresented by fake news and propaganda, severely threatened, and had their ships sabotaged, attacked, and unlawfully detained by the Israeli military.

And even more recently, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition & Thousands Madleens To Gaza Flotilla was unlawfully intercepted in international waters by Israeli naval forces, 120 nautical miles off the coast of Gaza. The vessels and all those on board have been taken, in clear violation of international law.

These civilian flotillas represent a deep humanitarian effort: sailing ships loaded with food, water, medicine, and relief supplies to assist a civilian population that has been imprisoned and blockaded for years, whilst being subjected to systematic destruction and mass suffering.

Denying food, water, and medical care during a genocide is inhumane and a blatant violation of international law. Suffering is being permitted and used as a weapon of war, even though aid is available. Israel’s forceful and illegal interception of the humanitarian flotillas and the detention of their crews off the coast of Gaza constitute acts of piracy and assaults on solidarity activists engaged in an entirely peaceful humanitarian mission. 

While countries of the global South have taken a clear stance and are imposing sanctions, Western states are not taking sufficient political steps and are still turning a blind eye to the genocide. We hold deep respect for all those who risk much to protect lives and to uphold humanity and the law. Our solidarity goes out to them and to the civilians in Gaza.

Even with the now announced ceasefire and efforts for a so-called “peace plan”, we remain deeply concerned by the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Once again, we raise our collective voices: attacks on rescue and humanitarian missions are unacceptable, at sea or anywhere. The siege on Gaza is a crime against humanity and a moral disgrace for the international community.

While we remain deeply committed to fighting against inhumanity and the “left-to-die” policies in the Central Mediterranean, we express our full solidarity with our sister flotillas striving to break the siege on Gaza!