Israel intercepts the “Global Sumud Flotilla” in international waters, which was carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza.
The Brazilian government condemns, in the strongest terms, the illegal interception and arbitrary detention, by Israel, last night, in international waters, of the vessels that make up the “Global Sumud Flotilla”, as well as the illegal detention of peaceful activists, including fifteen Brazilian nationals, including Federal Deputy Luizianne Lins. Brazil urges the Israeli government to immediately release Brazilian citizens and other detained human rights defenders.
The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the Brazilian Embassy in Tel Aviv and the Israeli Embassy in Brasília, was formally notified of Brazil’s non-compliance with the actions of the Israeli government.
Given the peaceful nature of the flotilla and its objective of delivering humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, its interception by Israeli forces constitutes a serious violation of international law, including international maritime law, in particular the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which enshrines freedom of navigation.
Operations of a strictly humanitarian nature must be authorized and facilitated by all parties to the conflict and cannot be arbitrarily obstructed or considered illicit. Brazil calls on the international community to demand that Israel cease the blockade of Gaza, as it constitutes a serious violation of international humanitarian law.
It also recalls Israel’s legal obligations under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations (1963) and demands the facilitation of visits by consular authorities at the Brazilian Embassy in Tel Aviv to all illegally detained Brazilian activists.
Brazil expresses its position that Israel must be held responsible for any illegal and violent acts committed against the Flotilla and the peaceful activists who participate in it and must ensure their safety, well-being and physical integrity while they remain in the custody of Israeli authorities.
Originally published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 10/02/2025
Source: https://www.ocafezinho.com/2025/10/03/ato-arbitrario-israel-detem-cidadaos-brasileiros-em-interceptacao-ilegal/
