The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) condemns the illegal interception of humanitarian boats in international waters, asserts that peaceful actions to end the genocide, famine, and the illegal blockade of Gaza are legitimate, and demands the immediate release of all individuals detained by the Israeli armed forces.
Paris, 2 October 2025. The Sumud Flotilla, a non-violent humanitarian initiative aimed at delivering food and medical supplies to the people of Gaza, was illegally intercepted in international waters starting last night. The participants in this action, from over 40 nationalities, were kidnapped and are being illegally detained by the Israeli authorities. Only a few boats have not yet been intercepted and are continuing their journey toward Gaza.
The interception occurred under confused and troubling circumstances: Israeli vessels harassed the participants for hours, carrying out multiple intimidation maneuvers before spraying them with freezing water in the middle of the night, acts both unnecessary and illegal.
The Sumud Flotilla, which set sail from Barcelona several weeks ago, is part of a global movement of solidarity with the suffering of the Palestinian people. It is a peaceful movement that spans nearly every country in the world, including Israel, where civil society continues to fight for peace and an end to atrocities.
Two vice-presidents of FIDH are currently in the hands of the Israeli armed forces for their participation in the flotilla. FIDH demands their immediate release, along with that of all other participants.
The Federation is coordinating with its member organization in Israel, Adalah, which will lead the legal defense of the flotilla participants and is currently trying to gain access to the port of Ashdod. All participants must be treated in accordance with international law, and must not be subjected to any mistreatment.
FIDH calls on the governments of the participants’ countries of origin to take all necessary steps to protect their nationals, this applies particularly to European countries.
