Pretoria: The Ministers of Foreign Affairs from multiple nations have voiced their concerns regarding the safety of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which includes citizens from their countries and is tasked with delivering essential aid to Gaza.
According to South African Government News Agency, the Global Sumud Flotilla is an international initiative spearheaded by civil society, launched in June this year. It is grounded in years of Palestinian resistance and international support. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) stated on Tuesday that ministers from Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Ireland, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, Mexico, Pakistan, Qatar, Oman, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, and Trkiye have expressed their worries for the flotilla's security.
The department highlighted that the movement aims to provide humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, raise awareness about the pressing needs of the Palestinian population, and emphasize the importance of resolving the conflict in Gaza. As reported by France24, a fleet of approximately 20 boats carrying aid and pro-Palestinian activists, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, was ready to set sail from Tunisia, seeking to challenge Israel's blockade of Gaza.
Despite encountering delays and drone attacks, the flotilla's mission remains to establish a humanitarian corridor to Gaza and showcase international solidarity. The statement urged all parties to abstain from any unlawful or violent actions against the flotilla and to uphold international law and humanitarian standards.
DIRCO's statement further reiterated that any breaches of international law and human rights against the flotilla participants, such as attacks on vessels in international waters or unlawful detention, would result in accountability. The department also stressed that the shared objectives of peace and humanitarian aid, along with adherence to international and humanitarian law, are upheld by the involved governments.