Bangladesh condemns Israeli interception of Gaza aid flotilla
Bangladesh called for the “immediate and unconditional release of all detained humanitarian aid workers and activists” and urged Israel to guarantee their safety and well-being
The Government of Bangladesh has strongly condemned the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla by Israeli forces in international waters while it was carrying humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today (3 October), the government said the act was "a flagrant violation of international law and a brazen manifestation of Israel's use of hunger as a weapon of war."
Bangladesh called for the "immediate and unconditional release of all detained humanitarian aid workers and activists" and urged Israel to guarantee their safety and well-being.
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The statement further urged Israel "to end its illegal occupation of Gaza and the West Bank, respect international humanitarian law, and immediately cease its genocidal war and humanitarian blockade in Gaza."
It added that the humanitarian flotilla symbolised "global solidarity with the occupied Palestinian people" and that Israel must allow its unhindered access to Gaza, where civilians are being denied their fundamental rights to life, dignity, and livelihood.
"The Government and people of Bangladesh stand in unwavering solidarity with the people of Palestine in this hour of grave distress and continued suffering," the statement concluded.
The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), sometimes referred to as the Global Freedom Flotilla, is an international maritime initiative launched in mid-2025. The term "Sumud" is Arabic for "steadfastness" or "resilience."
The Global Sumud Flotilla, an unprecedented civilian-led maritime convoy, was on their way to challenge Israel's naval blockade of Gaza.
The flotilla was formed by a coalition of activist and humanitarian groups, including the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, the Global Movement to Gaza, the Maghreb Sumud Flotilla, and Sumud Nusantara. The Italian NGO Emergency also joined with a medical aid vessel.
The group includes activists, doctors, and artists. Notable figures on board include photojournalist and activist Shahidul Alam, climate activist Greta Thunberg, French actress Adèle Haenel, and Zwelivelile Mandela, the grandson of Nelson Mandela.
Israeli forces intercepted almost all the boats carrying aid bound for Gaza. The detained activists are being taken to Israel where they will face deportation, according to Israel's foreign ministry.
