Madrid: Spain and Brazil have issued a strong condemnation against Israel for the abduction of two of their citizens from the Sumud flotilla in international waters. In a joint statement, both governments described the incident as a "flagrantly illegal action" and demanded the immediate return of the activists.

According to Anadolu Agency, the activists were aboard the Sumud flotilla vessels when Israeli forces intercepted them. The activists were not released during the seizure of the vessels nor after the passengers and crew disembarked on the island of Crete. The joint statement by Spain and Brazil indicated that this action by Israel violates international law and may be subject to proceedings in international courts, as well as being a potential criminal offense under the respective national laws of Spain and Brazil.

The two governments have called upon Israel to ensure the safe return of their citizens and to grant immediate consular access for their assistance and protection. The Global Sumud humanitarian aid flotilla, attacked near a Greek island, was approximately 600 nautical miles away from its intended destination, the Gaza Strip.

The flotilla's mission began with the departure of its first ships from Barcelona on April 12, followed by the main fleet from Sicily on April 26. The initiative aims to challenge Israel's longstanding blockade of Gaza, which has severely impacted the 2.4 million residents of the territory.

Israel's blockade on the Gaza Strip, enforced since 2007, has led to dire humanitarian conditions. The situation worsened following a two-year offensive launched by the Israeli army in October 2023, resulting in over 72,000 deaths, more than 172,000 injuries, and extensive damage throughout the region.