London: Human rights group Amnesty International issued a call for protection for an aid flotilla en route to Gaza, expressing concern over potential Israeli military action against the convoy. The flotilla, which aims to break Israel's blockade on the enclave, has become a focal point due to escalating tensions.
According to Anadolu Agency, the London-based organization released a statement highlighting their 'deep concern over the (Israeli) threats against the Global Sumud Flotilla heading to Gaza to deliver urgent, life-saving humanitarian aid.' As the flotilla nears a 'highly dangerous area,' fears mount that Israeli forces may intercept the convoy, with Israeli media reporting that the military plans an operation approximately 180 kilometers off Gaza's coast - outside of Israel's territorial waters.
Israel's public broadcaster KAN reported that the military is preparing to intercept the convoy and tow the vessels to Ashdod Port in southern Israel. Amnesty International described the fleet, which includes over 40 ships and hundreds of activists from 44 countries, as a 'peaceful initiative aimed at breaking Israel's illegal blockade of Gaza,' a blockade that has persisted for 18 years.
The organization emphasized that the flotilla's departure is occurring amidst a 'systematic famine, the collapse of the health care system, and a comprehensive (Israeli) blockade,' making humanitarian deliveries 'an urgent and necessary act of solidarity.' Amnesty also pointed out the 'special responsibility' of Arab League member states to protect their nationals on board and urged regional countries to recognize their 'moral and political responsibility toward the illegal blockade of Gaza.'
Amnesty called on governments worldwide to 'publicly condemn any (potential) attack or obstruction of the flotilla and demand immediate protection for all participants.' The convoy, carrying primarily humanitarian aid and medical supplies, set sail days ago in an effort to challenge the Israeli blockade.
This initiative marks the first time in years that a large number of ships have sailed together toward Gaza, a region home to approximately 2.4 million Palestinians and under Israeli blockade for nearly two decades. The blockade intensified on March 2 with the closure of all border crossings and the obstruction of food, medicine, and aid deliveries, deepening Gaza's humanitarian crisis.
The Israeli army's actions since October 2023 have resulted in the deaths of over 66,000 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, and have exacerbated the dire living conditions in Gaza, contributing to widespread starvation and disease.