The United States Department of State qualified on Thursday the mission of the Sumud world flotilla in the Gaza Strip of “Deliberate and useless provocation”emphasizing the careful follow -up of the situation and the protection of American citizens present on board the ships intercepted by the Israeli army in the early hours of the morning.
“We follow the situation very closely,” said a spokesperson for the State Department to Europa Press, reiterating that the United States government was taking “Very seriously” His commitment to protect his nationals involved. The department, directed by Marco Rubio, also recalled the priority of the implementation of “President Trump’s plan to end war”that he describes as“Historical opportunity to achieve lasting peace”.
Interception and detention of activists
The flotilla, made up of more than 40 ships and around 500 activists, was intercepted by the Israeli navy in international waters off Gaza. A total of 473 members of the Sumud world flotilla were held by the Israeli authoritiesof which 25 Tunisian citizenssaid Sami Ben Ghazilawyer and member of the Legal Committee for supporting the Freedom Flotilla. The detainees were transferred to the Israeli Port of Ashdod, where they are currently under treatment before a possible repatriation to their countries of origin.
This interception caused a wave of international protests, with demonstrations in several countries, including France, Italy, Belgium, Spain, Brazil, Turkey and Malaysia, denouncing a violation of international law and an act of intimidation towards humanitarian activists.
Amnesty International also denounced the operation, calling it as “Deliberate and useless provocation”believing that it illustrates the determination of Israel to continue to deprive the Palestinians of Gaza of essential humanitarian aid.
The situation therefore remains tense, with significant diplomatic and humanitarian implications, while the United States reaffirm their commitment to very closely monitor the evolution of events and to protect their citizens involved.
