UN rapporteur describes Israeli attack on Sumud Fleet as piracy

GAZA, May 01 (YPA) – Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in the Palestinian territories, condemned Israeli occupation forces’ attack on vessels belonging to the “Global Sumud Fleet,” describing the attack as a “flagrant violation of international law.”

In a statement issued Thursday, Albanese questioned how the occupation could attack and detain ships in international waters off the coasts of Greece and Europe, warning that such actions—if left unchallenged—undermine maritime law and the authority of the international community.

She characterized the attack as “piracy” against peaceful international solidarity efforts and called for urgent measures to protect those involved and hold those responsible accountable.

Albanese also said the episode should serve as a “wake-up call” for Europe and the wider world, particularly in light of the ongoing blockade on Gaza, urging an end to unlawful restrictions and calling for guaranteed humanitarian access.

According to reports, the Israeli occupation navy intercepted the flotilla as it was heading toward the Gaza Strip in an attempt to break the blockade, taking control of several vessels in international waters far from the Palestinian coast. The flotilla included dozens of boats and around a thousand activists seeking to reach the besieged enclave.

The occupation media indicated that the operation began near the Greek island of Crete and represented one of the most extensive maritime interceptions carried out by the occupation, given the distance from its shores.

Reports also stated that a number of activists aboard the vessels were detained, while other ships were warned to alter their course or face interception.

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