Indonesia, Spain, and Others Condemn Israeli Assault on Gaza Flotilla

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia along with several other countries "condemn in the strongest terms" the Israeli assault on the Global Sumud Flotilla on April 30, 2026, a peaceful civilian humanitarian initiative aimed at drawing international attention to the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.

This was conveyed in a joint statement by the foreign ministers of Indonesia, Turkey, Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Jordan, Libya, Malaysia, the Maldives, Mauritania, Pakistan, South Africa, and Spain, posted on the official X account of the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jakarta on Thursday.

"The Israeli attacks against the vessels and the unlawful detention of humanitarian activists in international waters constitute flagrant violations of international law and international humanitarian law," the statement quoted.

They expressed deep concern for the safety of these civilian activists and urged Israeli authorities to take the necessary measures to ensure their immediate release.

The ministers also called on the international community to fulfill its moral and legal obligations to uphold international law, protect civilians, and ensure accountability for these violations.

Meanwhile, UN Human Rights Office spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan said in a statement on Wednesday, May 6, that Israel must immediately and unconditionally release the flotilla members detained in international waters and taken to Israel.

He stated that showing solidarity and bringing humanitarian aid to the Palestinian population in Gaza in dire need is not a crime.

"We call for an end to Israel’s use of arbitrary detention and of broadly and vaguely defined terrorism legislation, inconsistent with international human rights law," Al-Kheetan said.

He stated that Israel must also end its blockade of Gaza and allow and facilitate the entry of sufficient humanitarian aid into the besieged Gaza Strip.

The Global Sumud Flotilla departed from Barcelona on April 15, and on April 30, Israeli forces seized the vessels near the Greek island of Crete and destroyed their engines and navigation systems, according to humanitarian activists.

The activists stated that Israeli forces boarded their vessels and detained 180 activists, 178 of whom were later released.

Saif Abukeshek, a Spanish and Swedish citizen of Palestinian descent, and Thiago Avila, a Brazilian citizen, remain in Israeli custody.

Israel says Saif and Thiago are suspected of “assisting the enemy during wartime” and "membership in and providing services to a terrorist organization."

Read: Activists from Gaza Flotilla Face Death Threats in Israel Prison

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