LONDON: A group of UN experts on Friday condemned Israel’s interception of a humanitarian flotilla bound for Gaza and called for the immediate release of activists detained during the operation in international waters.
The condemnation came via a statement signed by several UN special rapporteurs and independent experts, including Francesca Albanese, Reem Al-Salem and George Katrougalos.
The experts said Israeli forces intercepted 22 boats carrying humanitarian aid to the besieged Gaza Strip on April 29, about 500 nautical miles off Israel’s coast, detaining 180 civilians taking part in what they described as a peaceful humanitarian mission.
“We are seriously concerned over the capture in international waters and reported severe mistreatment of these activists,” the experts said in a statement.
They accused Israel of violating international law and said the operation demonstrated a determination “to continue its genocidal policy of suffocating the population of Gaza by any means necessary.”
According to the statement, one vessel in the flotilla was sabotaged and left adrift with passengers on board, while those detained were later released in Crete.
At least 35 people reported severe mistreatment and sexual assault that the experts said could amount to torture or inhumane and degrading treatment.
The experts also said Thiago Avila, a Brazilian national, and Saif Abu Keshek, a Spanish-Swedish national, had been transferred to Israel and remained in detention under harsh conditions, including reported isolation.
“They have begun a hunger strike in protest,” the statement said, adding that their detention was unlawful both because of the circumstances of their apprehension and the charges brought against them.
The experts criticized what they described as the failure of the Greek coastguard to respond to repeated distress calls from the flotilla despite the vessels being within Greece’s search and rescue zone.
“The apparent ease with which Israel carried out these actions raises alarm about the possible complicity of European governments,” they said.
The statement also highlighted the broader humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where the experts said Israel, as a party to the Fourth Geneva Convention, was obligated to facilitate humanitarian aid deliveries.
“The starvation of civilians as a method of warfare is unlawful,” the experts said.
They urged governments to condemn attacks against civilian vessels, secure the release of those detained and ensure reparations for violations of international law.
“When the international community failed to ensure the delivery of humanitarian supplies, global civil society has taken action,” the experts said.
“States should take necessary action to prevent genocide and to support all efforts to deliver aid to the Palestinian population,” they added.
