[Statements by Amnesty International’s Secretary General Agnès Callamard and by the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) responding to Zionist Israeli’s interception and capture of at least 39 vessels and Israel’s detention of dozens of crew members of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was attempting to break Israel’s illegal blockade and deliver essential humanitarian aid to the occupied Gaza Strip, amidst Israel’s ongoing genocide.]
Amnesty International: “Israel’s forceful interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla vessels and detention of its crew off the coast of Gaza is a brazen assault against solidarity activists carrying out an entirely peaceful humanitarian mission. This seizure comes after weeks of threats and incitement by Israeli officials against the flotilla and its participants and after several attempts to sabotage some of its ships.
“By continuing to actively block vital aid to a population against whom Israel is committing genocide, including by inflicting famine, Israel is once again demonstrating its utter contempt for the legally binding orders of the International Court of Justice and its own obligations as the occupying power to ensure Palestinians in Gaza have access to sufficient food and lifesaving humanitarian assistance.
“The crew of the intercepted vessels must be immediately and unconditionally released. Their detention is unlawful, and Israel must be held fully accountable for their safety and ensure they are protected against any form of ill-treatment pending their release.
“This interception is not just about blocking aid; it is a calculated act of intimidation intended to punish and silence critics of Israel’s genocide and its unlawful blockade on Gaza. [Emphasis in bold in original.]
“The incitement and threats that preceded it are also a shameless attempt to demonize peaceful solidarity initiatives seeking to end Israel’s genocide and the cruel blockade it has imposed on Gaza since 2007 and significantly tightened since October 2023. We are gravely concerned for the safety of all those who have been detained so far, particularly Arab delegates and solidarity activists who have been targeted by an inflammatory smear campaign.
“The Global Sumud Flotilla, whose crew composed of human rights defenders, doctors, parliamentarians, activists and journalists from over 40 countries, and other previous peaceful initiatives that attempted to break Israel’s unlawful blockade, have emerged as a powerful symbol of solidarity with besieged, starved and suffering Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. The very fact that they had to set sail in the first place is a clear indictment of the international community’s persistent failure to end Israel’s ongoing genocide and to ensure the unhindered flow of aid to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
“The decades-long impunity for Israel’s blatant violations of international law must end, nothing can justify genocide. “ [Emphasis in bold in original.]
“The time for mere condemnation is over. States worldwide must act now and now make clear that they will no longer tolerate Israel’s systematic starvation of Palestinians in Gaza nor its targeting of unarmed civilian humanitarian efforts. The decades-long impunity for Israel’s blatant violations of international law must end, nothing can justify genocide.
“States must demand the immediate and safe return of all those detained and allow unhindered access to Gaza for the other ships. They must also press Israel to lift its suffocating 18-year blockade and allow humanitarian aid to be delivered through all crossings into and throughout Gaza now.”
Statement by International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) calling for the immediate and unconditional release of all Israeli-arrested Global Sumud Flotilla participants
Israel subjects Flotilla participants to abuse & mistreatment
5 October 2025. The Flotilla participants, who have been illegally detained by Israel since October 2nd, most of whom are currently held in harsh conditions in Ketziot prison in the Naqab (Negev) in southern Israel, are being subjected to abuse and mistreatment. These harsh conditions include physical violence, verbal harassment, the deprivation of adequate drinking water, food, sleep, and medication, as well as prolonged confinement in uncomfortable stress positions. Such treatment constitutes acts of ill-treatment and torture under international law.
Alexis Deswaef, one of the two vice-presidents of the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) currently on hunger strike alongside Aziz Rhali, was injured by a water cannon used by the Israeli navy during an intimidation maneuver against the ship on which he was sailing. FIDH member, Adalah, is providing legal representation for hundreds of Flotilla detainees and has documented these incidents. Representatives of embassies and consulates who have met with their nationals, participants in the Flotilla, have also relayed these messages, and Flotilla participants who have already been deported are speaking with the media about this abuse, particularly that inflicted on Swedish activist Greta Thunberg.
In addition, Israeli Minister of Internal Security Itamar Ben Gvir appeared on video on the evening of October 2nd, showing the detained members of the Flotilla, as he insulted them and accused them in Hebrew of being terrorists. Detainees were also presented with documents written in Hebrew, which they were ordered to sign. Those who refused to sign these documents continue to be detained.
FIDH condemns in the strongest terms the abduction of the Flotilla members and the mistreatment they are enduring. It calls for their immediate and unconditional release. The FIDH also calls for an end to the widespread use of inhumane treatment in Israeli detention facilities. Furthermore, it urges states, particularly those within the European Union, to recognise the systemic mistreatment institutionalised nature of torture in Israel and to address it accordingly.
As the genocide in Gaza continues despite recent agreements and instructions from the United States to cease hostilities, the mission of the Flotilla remains tragically relevant. Breaking the blockade, demanding a ceasefire, and ending the mass killing of Palestinians in Gaza are more urgent than ever. These are objectives that the allies and enablers of Israel have consistently and shamefully failed to achieve for nearly two years.
Photo below: Swedish activist Greta Thunberg
You must be logged in to post a comment.