Pakistan and nine other countries on Tuesday released a joint statement firmly condemning Israel’s interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla.
The statement was issued by the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Turkiye, Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Jordan, Libya, Maldives, and Spain, and was also shared by Pakistan’s Foreign Office on social media platform X.
🔊PR No.1️⃣2️⃣0️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣
Joint Statement by the Foreign Ministers of Pakistan, Türkiye, Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Jordan, Libya, Maldives, and Spain Regarding the Israeli Assaults on the Global Sumud Flotilla, 18th May 2026 pic.twitter.com/TS99F2w31n— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) May 19, 2026
In the joint declaration, the ministers “condemn in the strongest terms the renewed Israeli assaults against the Global Sumud Flotilla,” describing it as a peaceful civilian humanitarian initiative intended to draw global attention to the severe humanitarian crisis facing the Palestinian population.
They recalled with serious concern earlier Israeli actions against similar flotillas in international waters and strongly denounced ongoing hostile operations targeting civilian vessels and humanitarian workers.
The statement stressed that such actions, including attacks on ships and the detention of activists without legal justification, amount to clear violations of international law as well as international humanitarian law.
The foreign ministers also expressed deep concern regarding the safety and security of all civilians participating in the flotilla. They called for the immediate release of all detained activists and demanded full respect for their rights, dignity, and well-being.
They further highlighted that repeated strikes against peaceful humanitarian missions demonstrate continued disregard for international law and the principle of freedom of navigation in international waters.
The joint statement urged the global community to uphold its legal and moral responsibilities, ensure protection for civilians and humanitarian missions, and take meaningful steps to end impunity while ensuring accountability for violations.
Among those detained was Saad Edhi, son of renowned social worker Faisal Edhi and grandson of legendary humanitarian Abdul Sattar Edhi, after Israeli forces intercepted the flotilla in the eastern Mediterranean Sea.
Reports from Indonesian media stated that nine Indonesian nationals were also detained, including two journalists. Organisers also confirmed that 15 Irish citizens were part of the flotilla, among them Margaret Connolly, sister of Irish President Catherine Connolly.
Earlier, Israel’s Foreign Ministry said on X that it would not allow any attempt to breach what it described as a lawful naval blockade on Gaza.
The Global Sumud Flotilla had set sail with humanitarian aid for Gaza and had departed again from southern Turkiye after previous attempts were intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also defended the interception, stating that the flotilla was part of an effort to break the blockade on Gaza. He praised the operation forces, saying they had successfully stopped what he described as a “malicious attempt” against the blockade imposed on Hamas.
He further claimed the operation was carried out efficiently and with minimal international attention compared to what organisers had expected.
Israel has maintained a naval and land blockade on Gaza since 2007, controlling all access points to the territory. Amid the ongoing conflict, Gaza has faced severe shortages of food, medicine, and essential supplies, with humanitarian aid deliveries frequently restricted or halted.
A similar flotilla attempt was intercepted last month near Greek waters, resulting in the detention and later deportation of most activists. Former senator Mushtaq Ahmed was also among those detained during that operation.
