Spain’s Foreign Ministry has summoned the chargé d’affaires of the Israeli embassy in Madrid to protest an attack on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla in international waters and the detention of pro-Palestine activists.
The ministry said in a statement on Thursday that it called Dana Erlich to strongly condemn the interception of the “Sumud 2” aid convoy.
The flotilla, part of a humanitarian mission known as the Global Sumud Flotilla, was heading toward Gaza to deliver aid and challenge Israel’s blockade. Reports say Israeli naval forces intercepted the ships near Greece in the Mediterranean Sea.
Organizers say 211 activists were detained during the operation.
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez also criticized the attack, calling it a violation of international law. He urged the European Union to reconsider its partnership with Israel and stressed respect for freedom of navigation.
The European Commission also condemned the incident, saying Israel must follow international law, including humanitarian rules and maritime law.
Italy’s Foreign Ministry also rejected the action, calling it “naval piracy” and demanding the immediate release of all detained activists.
UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese said the interception in international waters is a serious concern and requires a strong European response.
A joint statement from 11 countries, including Pakistan, Brazil, Spain, Turkey, Jordan, Libya, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Colombia, Maldives, and South Africa, also condemned the attack. They demanded the release of activists and called for accountability and protection of civilians.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry also described the operation as “maritime piracy” and criticized the detention of activists.
The flotilla was part of a larger effort to deliver aid to Gaza, where ongoing conflict has caused heavy casualties and destruction.
