Poland voices ‘great concern’ over Israeli attack on Gaza flotilla

Poland on Wednesday voiced deep concern over Israeli military actions against activists aboard the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla and called on Tel Aviv to provide an urgent explanation.

Respect for international law

In a statement, the Polish Foreign Ministry said it is “observing with great concern the actions” taken by Israeli forces against activists whose declared goal is to deliver humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. “Respect for international law, including the international law of the sea and international humanitarian law, is the duty of all states,” the ministry noted. It underlined that one of the fundamental principles of the law of the sea is freedom of navigation on the high seas, adding that ships are subject to the exclusive authority and jurisdiction of the flag state. “This freedom cannot be restricted or violated by other states,” the statement said.

Detention of Polish citizens

Citing reports of Polish citizens being detained aboard one of the flotilla’s vessels, the ministry expressed hope that their safety will not be violated and that their rights will be fully respected. Warsaw expects an “urgent clarification” of all circumstances surrounding the Israeli operation on the high seas. The Global Sumud Flotilla announced on Tuesday that Israel had seized all 50 vessels in its aid convoy, which carried 428 people from 44 countries, including 78 Turkish citizens. Türkiye has strongly condemned the interception and continues to call for the unconditional release of all detained activists.