An emergency protest has been called at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday, October 2, at 6:30 pm, demanding government action over Israel’s detention of activists aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla intercepted whilst sailing to Gaza.
The demonstration, organised by Global Movement to Gaza Cyprus, United for Palestine, Far Right Watch Cyprus, and Genocide-Free Cyprus, calls on the Cypriot government and all states to abide by the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion and act immediately regarding the ongoing situation in Gaza and the detained flotilla crew.
The protest comes after Israeli military forces intercepted at least 13 vessels carrying more than 201 activists from 37 countries attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza in international waters.
One vessel, named Mikeno, entered Gaza’s territorial waters, becoming the first boat from the humanitarian convoy to reach the area, though its current status remains unclear.
Activists demand Cyprus abide by ICJ ruling on Gaza situation
The protest organisers have called for immediate action against what they describe as Israel’s illegal detention of the flotilla crew, demanding that Cyprus and all states act in accordance with international law.
The Cyprus protest follows demonstrations by thousands of people in several cities across the world on Wednesday over the Israeli Navy’s interception of the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla.
Protests took place in Istanbul, Athens, Buenos Aires, Rome, Berlin, Madrid, Mexico City, Bogota and Buenos Aires, among other locations, as international condemnation continues to mount.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, carrying humanitarian aid and medical supplies, had set sail at the end of August and was expected to reach Gaza’s coast under normal circumstances.
It was the largest such mission in years, with 50 ships carrying more than 500 activists from over 45 countries.
The flotilla said on Wednesday its vessels had been “illegally intercepted” by Israeli forces, with organisers reporting that cameras were offline and ships had been boarded by military personnel.
In a statement, the flotilla said it was “actively working to confirm the safety and status of all participants on board”.
Israeli forces continue to intercept the boats, with more than 15 vessels still operational and sailing towards Gaza’s coast. Israel maintains the naval blockade is a security measure designed to prevent weapons reaching Hamas and has warned that flotilla participants could face detention.
Governments across the world condemn Israel’s interception
Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur on human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories, said Israel’s seizure of flotilla activists was “unlawful” and blamed Western governments for their complicity.
Governments across Europe voiced concern following the interception.
France urged Israel to “guarantee the safety of participants and provide them with consular protection”, whilst Switzerland said any action against the flotilla “must comply with the principles of necessity and proportionality while ensuring the safety of those on board”.
Turkey’s Foreign Ministry condemned “in the strongest terms” what it called a “terrorist act” by the Israeli navy.
Spain said it was monitoring the situation closely with consulates in the region “on alert”, whilst Belgium urged Israel to “respect international law, including maritime law, and protect the flotilla’s vessels”.
Ireland described the interception as “concerning”. Irish President Michael Higgins went further, calling Israel’s raid and road closures in Gaza “alarming for the entire world”.
He warned that the safety of activists was “a concern for all nations” and linked the incident to what he described as “genocide policies” in Gaza.
Members of the European Parliament also weighed in. Italian MEP Brando Benifei called the interception “unlawful and a criminal act”, saying the international community should have protected the flotilla.
Global condemnation grows as South American nations expel Israeli diplomats
Condemnation also came from South America. Colombian President Gustavo Petro expelled Israel’s diplomatic delegation after the detention of two Colombian citizens, calling the raid “a new international crime” by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Brazil expressed concern for its 15 citizens on board, whilst Venezuela labelled the interception a “cowardly act of piracy”.
Uruguay voiced “serious concern”, and Bolivia’s President Luis Arce described the attack as “a flagrant violation of international law”.
Chile confirmed support for its citizens on the flotilla, calling Israel responsible for their safety.
(with information from trtworld.com)
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