Brussels – The EU must demand the immediate release of the Global Sumud Flotilla activists taken by Israeli forces in international waters last night, Greenpeace EU said in a letter to EU leaders.
The letter, to European Commission President von der Leyen, European Council President Costa and EU High Representative Kallas, urged them to condemn the Israeli attack , and to ensure that the EU and national governments provide safe passage for the flotilla.
Crew on the Greenpeace International ship Arctic Sunrise report that vessels in the Global Sumud Flotilla have been boarded and harassed by Israeli forces in international waters 45 nautical miles west of the Greek island Kythira and 600 nautical miles from Gaza.
Greenpeace EU programme director Magda Stoczkiewicz said: “The EU has a duty to uphold international law, and to condemn Israel’s abduction of people trying to peacefully deliver aid to those in a desperate situation in Gaza. The EU and national governments must demand the safe return of all those taken from the Global Sumud Flotilla, and ensure that humanitarian aid gets through to people who need it. We stand in solidarity with the people of Gaza, suffering from Israel’s genocide, and with the brave activists attempting to bring them relief.”
At 18:43 UTC (21:43 local time), someone identifying themselves as the Israeli Navy radioed the flotilla demanding a change of course. This was followed by jamming communication channels, including maritime emergency SOS communication and the Global Navigation Satellite System, putting the boats and people on them at risk in open sea. By 03:47 UTC, multiple vessels had been illegally boarded by Israeli forces and have since lost contact with the rest of the flotilla.
The Global Sumud Flotilla is an international movement of coordinated, nonviolent action, sailing to end Israel’s illegal siege on Gaza, confront the complicity that enables occupation, and stand with the Palestinian people. With the Arctic Sunrise, Greenpeace has been providing logistical support.
Greenpeace is calling on all governments to act with urgency to uphold international law and ensure the protection of the Global Sumud Flotilla with concrete steps to ensure its safe passage to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Contacts:
Greenpeace EU press desk: +32 (0)2 274 1911, [email protected]
Magda Stoczkiewicz, Greenpeace EU programme director: +32 (0)495 29 00 28, [email protected]
This press comment is also available on: www.greenpeace.eu
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Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning network that acts to change attitudes and behaviour, to protect and conserve the environment and to promote peace. We do not accept donations from governments, the EU, businesses or political parties. Greenpeace has over three million supporters, and 26 independent national and regional organisations with offices in more than 55 countries.
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