Amnesty International Warns Israel: Blocking Gaza aid flotilla is an ‘attack on international law’
Amnesty International has urged Israel to allow an international aid flotilla to reach Gaza, cautioning that any attempt to block it would be an “attack on humanitarian principles and international law.” The UK-based rights group’s statement was reported by Anadolu on Monday.
The flotilla, organized by the Global Sumud Flotilla initiative, is a “powerful & inspiring act of solidarity” with Palestinians struggling under what Amnesty calls “Israel’s cruel and unlawful blockade and amidst its ongoing genocide in the occupied Gaza Strip.”
On X, Amnesty International stated, “Israel must allow the flotilla to carry out its peaceful mission safely. Any attempt to block it is an attack on humanitarian principles and international law.”
READ ALSO: Everything You Need to Know: The global sumud flotilla sets sail for Gaza
According to Amnesty, the fact that activists from nearly 50 countries are undertaking this mission is an “indictment of the international community’s consistent failure” to pressure Israel to end its blockade.
The organisation described the situation in Gaza as “one of the worst manmade humanitarian disasters in the world” and emphasized that Israel has a legal obligation to ensure civilians have access to food, medicine, and other supplies.
“There can be no justification for obstructing life-saving aid,” Amnesty said, calling on Israel to lift its blockade, allow aid to flow freely, and end its actions against Palestinians in Gaza. The statement also called on states to “take meaningful action to end impunity and uphold international humanitarian law.”
READ ALSO: Malaysia launches ‘1000 Flotilla’ to break Gaza blockade, deliver aid
The flotilla of over 20 boats, which set sail on Sunday, returned to the port of Barcelona on Monday due to a storm. The mission includes approximately 200 activists, politicians, and artists from 44 countries, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, Irish actor Liam Cunningham, Spanish actor Eduardo Fernandez, and former Barcelona Mayor Ada Colau.
This is the third aid ship in recent months to attempt to break the Israeli blockade. Previous efforts have been unsuccessful, with Israeli forces intercepting the boats in international waters.
Follow the Neptune Prime channel on WhatsApp:
Do you have breaking news, interview request, opinion, suggestion, or want your event covered? Email us at neptuneprime2233@gmail.com
