The European Lawyers for Democracy and Human Rights (ELDH) strongly condemns the unlawful interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla 45 miles off the coast of Gaza. The flotilla is a peaceful humanitarian mission delivering urgently needed food and medical supplies, protected under international law.
As affirmed by the ICJ Advisory Opinion of 19 July 2024, Gaza’s maritime blockade and the obstruction of humanitarian relief to civilians constitute grave breaches of international humanitarian law, may amount to the war crime of starvation, and could rise to the level of genocide.
We call on all States to take immediate protective measures for all crew members of the flotilla who have been unlawfully intercepted, to demand their prompt release, and to take all necessary legal steps to pursue accountability for these serious violations of international law and international humanitarian law.