Ankara: Mexico's Foreign Ministry announced its reinforced efforts to protect the rights and safety of its nationals participating in a humanitarian flotilla bound for Gaza. This move follows direct instructions from President Claudia Sheinbaum.

According to Anadolu Agency, the ministry stated that the nationals are part of the Global Sumud Flotilla. In addition, the ministry has maintained direct communication with their families and coordinated with Mexican embassies and consulates in the region to monitor the situation and provide necessary consular support.

Mexico reiterated its demand that Israel guarantee the physical and mental well-being of its nationals, ensure access to consular assistance when necessary, and fully comply with international law, including international human rights and humanitarian law.

The ministry highlighted that one Mexican national, who was aboard a vessel intercepted at sea, returned to Mexico City on May 2 following diplomatic interventions. The remaining six participants are in contact with Mexican authorities and are reported to be in good condition.

The Foreign Ministry has conducted multiple meetings with the families of those involved to update them on consular efforts and address any concerns, reaffirming Mexico's commitment to protecting its citizens abroad and promoting peaceful conflict resolution.

The Global Sumud Flotilla's Spring 2026 mission aimed to break Israel's blockade of the Gaza Strip and deliver humanitarian aid. However, Israeli forces intercepted the flotilla late April 29 off the coast of Crete.

Israeli forces intervened in international waters, attacking boats carrying activists 600 nautical miles from Gaza and just a few miles from Greek territorial waters. A total of 177 activists were detained and reportedly subjected to ill-treatment.

Reports indicated that Brazilian national Thiago Avila and Spanish-Swedish national Saif Abu Keshek, who have not been released since being forcibly taken to Israel, have faced severe physical abuse and death threats during interrogation.

Israel has maintained a crippling blockade on the Gaza Strip since 2007, pushing the territory's 2.4 million residents close to starvation. The Israeli army launched a two-year offensive on Gaza in October 2023, resulting in over 72,000 deaths, more than 172,000 injuries, and extensive destruction across the besieged region.