Burak Bir
30 April 2026•Update: 30 April 2026
A group of British parliamentarians urged Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper to take "immediate action" Thursday in response to Israel's seizure of a Gaza-bound flotilla, which they called a "breach of international law."
Seventeen lawmakers and a House of Lords member noted in a letter that vessels carrying civilian aid and personnel have been subjected to communications jamming, aerial surveillance by drones and "direct interception" by Israeli forces while operating in international waters.
"We write in the strongest possible terms to demand immediate action in response to the unlawful interception of the Global Sumud, a humanitarian flotilla in international waters near Crete," it said.
They noted that the ships are engaged in a peaceful, humanitarian mission to deliver urgently needed aid to the Gaza Strip, and to help establish a corridor for access.
"We express our profound outrage at these developments," it said, citing media reports that the vessels have been seized in international waters near the Greek island of Crete, and that 175 activists have reportedly been detained.
"Let us be clear, the interception of civilian vessels in international waters is a breach of international law," said the signatories, stressing that any boarding, seizure, or removal of individuals under the conditions constitutes a "grave violation of maritime law and fundamental civilian protections."
Noting that British nationals are among those detained and are at risk, they said the UK has an unequivocal duty to protect its nationals and to act decisively when their safety is threatened.
The letter demanded the government immediately ascertain the location, condition and legal status of all vessels and individuals involved, and issue a clear and public statement condemning any unlawful interference with civilian shipping in international waters.
They also urged the government to engage directly and urgently with the Israeli government to insist upon the immediate cessation of all interference and to secure guarantees for the safety and release of those involved.
"This is an escalating situation requiring urgent intervention," said the letter, adding that civilians acting to deliver humanitarian assistance "must not be met with force, intimidation, or unlawful detention."
The Israeli Foreign Ministry said naval forces intercepted and seized more than 20 ships from the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters in the Mediterranean Sea and detained about 175 activists on board. The attack took place hundreds of nautical miles (more than 1,000 kilometers) from Israel.
The flotilla, carrying humanitarian aid, set sail two weeks ago from the Italian island of Sicily, with 58 vessels aiming to break Israel's years-long blockade of Gaza.
Israel has imposed a crippling blockade on Gaza since 2007, leaving the territory’s 2.4 million population on the verge of starvation.
In October 2023, Israel launched a two-year brutal offensive against Gaza, killing more than 72,000 people, injuring over 172,000, and causing massive destruction across the besieged territory.
