Global Movement to Gaza say humanitarians attempting to get aid to Gaza have been kidnapped by Israeli forces in open waters.
The statement reads, ‘The Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) have illegally intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters, in direct violation of humanitarian and maritime law’. ‘Several international participants have been kidnapped while carrying out a legal, humanitarian mission to break the illegal blockade on Gaza and deliver vital aid. Six Australians are part of the flotilla’.
SMH reported today (October 2), ‘Israeli forces have intercepted a flotilla of more than 40 vessels seeking to land in Gaza to deliver aid and show support for the Palestinian cause, detaining campaigner Greta Thunberg while targeting boats with drones and water cannons’.
‘The Israeli foreign ministry confirmed the operation, which began in the early hours of Thursday morning, AEST, and said authorities intended to stop and detain all the passengers, including Thunberg, and transfer them to an Israeli port’.
Global Movement to Gaza say, ‘This act is an outrageous breach of international and maritime law. It represents both a crime against civilians and an attack on global solidarity efforts to bring relief to Palestinians enduring Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza.
‘We demand that the Australian Government act immediately:
● Call for the immediate release of all kidnapped international crew members.
● Condemn Israel’s piracy and hostage-taking.
● Cut all military and diplomatic ties with Israel.
● Impose an arms embargo and sanctions without delay.
● Break the illegal blockade and ensure safe passage of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
‘The flotilla is a peaceful, legal humanitarian mission. Attacking it is an attack on international and maratime law, on human rights, and on every effort to bring relief to the starving besieged population of Gaza. The Australian Government must act now,’ said Talitha Mitchell, Spokesperson.
‘The flotilla participants risked their lives to expose and resist Israel’s atrocities, standing against an apartheid regime carrying out systematic destruction and genocide in Gaza.
The world cannot look away. Israel is committing genocide, and global leaders must be held accountable for their failure to prevent it. The situation is ongoing’.
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