October 3, 2025 | 11:34 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Several countries have strongly condemned Israel for the arrest of activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla sailing towards Gaza. World leaders have denounced the attack amidst protests in cities worldwide, including Istanbul, Athens, Buenos Aires, Rome, Berlin, and Madrid.
Reported by Al Jazeera, at least 44 countries were represented in the 500-member fleet, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Spain, Malaysia, Turkey, and Colombia. The reactions from world leaders varied, ranging from direct condemnation to calls for Israel to provide consular access to their detained citizens.
Palestine
The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Israel's attack and aggression on the Global Sumud Flotilla in a post on X. They stated, "The Global Sumud Flotilla has the right of free passage in international waters, and Israel must not interfere with its freedom of navigation, long recognised under international law."
Turkey
The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs referred to Israel's intervention as "an act of terrorism" violating international law and endangering the lives of innocent civilians. The ministry also stated that Israel's actions showed that the fascist and militaristic policies pursued by the Netanyahu government had caused Gaza to suffer from starvation.
Malaysia
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim called for the immediate release of Malaysian nationals. In a statement on X, he mentioned that they would take all lawful and legal steps to demand Israel's accountability.
"Israel not only disregards the basic rights of the Palestinian people but has also trampled on the conscience of the global community," he said.
South Africa
President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa has called for the immediate release of the flotilla participants and confirmed that among those detained is Nelson Mandela's grandson, Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela. "South Africa calls on Israel to ensure that the life-saving cargo transported by this flotilla reaches the people of Gaza, as the flotilla represents solidarity with Gaza, not confrontation with Israel."
Colombia
President Gustavo Petro announced on X that his government would expel Israeli diplomats and cancel Colombia's free trade agreement due to Israel's actions. He stated that Colombia must pursue all appropriate claims, including through Israeli courts, to ensure the return of its nationals.
Italy
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani told local media that Israel had assured him that there would be no violent actions against the fleet. Italian trade unions separately called for a general strike on Friday to show their solidarity with GSF and Gaza, following the strike in September by the Unione Sindacale di Base and other protests at Italian ports.
United Kingdom
The UK government stated that they were very concerned about Israel's interception of the fleet. The aid brought by the fleet must be handed over to humanitarian organizations on the ground for safe delivery to Gaza.
Ireland
Irish President Michael D. Higgins said Israel was obstructing crucial aid from reaching Gaza. "The safety and protection of those involved in this humanitarian exercise is a concern for all of us and all of the nations from which the people come," he said in a statement.
Pakistan
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned what he called a "dastardly attack" by Israeli forces on the fleet, stating that he prayed for the safe release of those detained. Sharif said, "This barbarity must end. Peace must be given a chance and humanitarian aid must reach those in need."
Belgium
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot urged the Israeli government to respect international law in a statement on X. He stated that his top priority was to ensure the rights of his compatriots are respected, their safety assured, and they can return home as soon as possible.
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