On Thursday 2 October, European Commission spokeswoman Eva Hrncirova condemned the interception of thirteen vessels from the Global Sumud flotilla in international waters early on Thursday morning.
“The International Humanitarian Law needs to be respected and also the International law of the Sea and the Law of Navigation in international waters. We said already here that we condemn any attacks against the flotilla, any drone strike or any seizure”, stressed the spokeswoman, when questioned by the media.
She explained that the protection of fleet participants was essential. “We have not received any requests for assistance and have not been in touch with the participants of the flotilla”, she added.
The European Green Party and The Left Group in the European Parliament have called for the immediate release of the members of the flotilla, including French MEP Rima Hassan and Emma Fourreau (The Left) and Italian MEP Benedetta Scuderi (Greens/EFA).
“The flotilla was intercepted in international waters. Blocking humanitarian aid and silencing independent observers is unacceptable. This is a flagrant violation of international law”, said Vula Tsetsi, co-president of the European Green Party, calling on the European institutions and governments to act immediately to guarantee the safety and release of all those on board.
Israel announced on Thursday that all the “safe and healthy” passengers on the flotilla would be deported to Europe. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)