Bogotá, Oct 3 (V7N) – The Colombian government has taken decisive action following Israel’s interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a humanitarian aid convoy from Spain heading to Gaza to assist Palestinians affected by the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

The flotilla, consisting of several vessels carrying food, medical supplies, and other essential aid, was stopped by the Israeli Navy, and over a hundred human rights activists on board were detained. The interception has sparked widespread international outrage, with protests erupting in cities including Istanbul, Athens, Buenos Aires, Rome, Berlin, and Madrid. Demonstrations also occurred in Jordan and Tunisia, condemning Israel’s actions and calling for the immediate release of the detained activists.

In response, Colombian President Gustavo Petro described Israel’s actions as “an international crime” and announced the expulsion of all Israeli diplomats from Colombia. Additionally, he suspended the country’s free trade agreement with Israel and urged that all necessary legal measures be taken to ensure the safe return of Colombian citizens aboard the flotilla. President Petro emphasized that Israel’s conduct violates the basic human rights of Palestinians and undermines global conscience.

Global reactions to the flotilla’s interception have varied. Several governments called for Israel to ensure the safety and release of the detained activists, while others demanded immediate access for humanitarian aid to Gaza. International organizations and rights groups highlighted the incident as a grave violation of international maritime and humanitarian law.

The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Israel’s actions on social media, asserting that the flotilla had the right to navigate international waters freely and that Israel had no legal authority to interfere. Similarly, Turkey termed the Israeli interception as “terrorist activity” and criticized Israel’s military policies as pushing Gaza into famine.

Other nations including Malaysia, South Africa, Italy, the United Kingdom, Greece, Ireland, Pakistan, Belgium, France, and the United States expressed varying degrees of condemnation, demanded consular access for detained citizens, or urged Israel to allow the aid convoy to reach Gaza safely.

The United Nations has yet to issue an official statement, though UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese criticized the inaction of Western governments, calling it “shameful” that Israel is detaining activists risking their lives to break the blockade and deliver aid to the people of Gaza.

The Global Sumud Flotilla incident has intensified international scrutiny of the humanitarian situation in Gaza and highlighted the urgent need for unimpeded delivery of essential supplies to the region’s beleaguered population.

END/WD/SMA/