South American governments condemn Israeli interception of Gaza flotilla

Governments across South America condemned Israel’s interception Wednesday of the Global Sumud Flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The incident, which took place in international waters, has prompted strong diplomatic reactions and calls for the safety of those on board.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro took to social media to warn about the monitoring of the flotilla by what he termed "Israeli genocidal forces" after the detention of two Colombian citizens on board the flotilla was known.

Petro ordered the expulsion of the entire Israeli diplomatic delegation from Colombia, warning that if the reports were true, it would constitute "a new international crime by (Israeli Prime Minister) Benjamin Netanyahu."

He also asserted that "the Free Trade Agreement with Israel is immediately denounced."

Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira confirmed that Brazil had expressed concern for the safety of the 15 Brazilian citizens on board the flotilla, which included a federal deputy.

The government of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said the initiative was intended to "highlight the need for humanitarian aid to the Palestinians who are suffering and isolated in Gaza," adding that "Israel is responsible for the safety of the people on that flotilla."

The government of Venezuela described the interception as a "cowardly act of piracy." In a press release, it condemned the "criminal nature of the Zionist regime" and asserted that the Israeli blockade of humanitarian aid is a "deliberate tool of war" intended to "annihilate the population through starvation."

The government of Uruguay expressed "serious concern over Israel's interception" and urged the Israeli government to respect the physical integrity of the activists and international humanitarian law.

Bolivian President Luis Arce said Bolivia "strongly condemns the brutal attack," which he called "an unacceptable act of violence" and a "flagrant violation of international law."

He added that the "policy of state terrorism" promoted by Netanyahu is "no excuse" for the attack against unarmed civilians.

The government of Chilean President Gabriel Boric expressed its support for the flotilla, which is carrying two Chilean citizens. Government spokesperson Camila Vallejo confirmed that the Global Sumud Flotilla "has the full support of the Chilean State" and that the Foreign Ministry is taking action to protect its citizens.

The flotilla, consisting of more than 40 vessels and over 500 volunteers from around 40 countries, was intercepted by the Israeli Navy approximately 80 nautical miles (148 kilometers) from Gaza. According to the flotilla’s organizers, nine of its vessels were intercepted and one was rammed while still in international waters.

In response, the Israeli Foreign Ministry announced that "several boats" of the flotilla had been "detained" and that their passengers were being transferred to an Israeli port. The ministry described the fleet as the "Hamas Flotilla" on its official X account.