Global Sumud Flotilla Bound For Gaza : 15 Nations Voice Concern Over Safety

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 16 (Bernama) -- Fifteen countries, including Malaysia, have expressed concern over the safety of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a civil society initiative carrying humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.

In a joint statement issued Tuesday, the foreign ministers of the countries stressed their support for the humanitarian mission, which also seeks to raise awareness of the urgent needs of the Palestinian people and to press for an end to the war in Gaza.

“The objectives of peace, humanitarian aid delivery, and respect for international law, including international humanitarian law, are shared by our governments,” the statement read.

The ministers urged all parties to refrain from unlawful or violent actions against the Flotilla and stressed the importance of respecting international law and international humanitarian law.

They further warned that any violation of international law and the human rights of participants in the Flotilla, including attacks on vessels in international waters or unlawful detention, would lead to accountability.

The foreign ministers are from Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Ireland, Libya, Malaysia, the Maldives, Mexico, Pakistan, Qatar, Oman, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, and Turkiye.

The Global Sumud Flotilla, comprising citizens from the participating nations, has set sail with the aim of delivering assistance to Gaza and amplifying calls for peace in the conflict-stricken territory.

The joint statement was released by South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).

-- BERNAMA