Israel / Palestine: Calls for the protection of humanitarian activists sailing to Gaza aboard all the Global Sumud Flotilla

Paris-Geneva, 11 September 2025 - Following its initial departure from the port of Barcelona on 31st of August 2025, the Global Sumud Flotilla launched more than 60 boats carrying humanitarian workers, medical professionals, and humanitarian activists volunteering from different disciplines across at least 50 countries. It resumed its voyage, with Tunisia as its first destination and a scheduled departure from there on 11 or 12 September 2025. The volunteers aboard are carrying vital food and medical supplies, seeking to provide much-needed relief to the people of Gaza, who have endured nearly 18 years of blockade. They are joining forces to challenge Israel's ongoing blockade, which has resulted in severe famine and critical shortages of supplies in Gaza.

The situation is further exacerbated by reports of two suspected drone attacks against Global Sumud Flotilla vessels. On 8 September 2025, while docked at Sidi Bou Said port in Tunisia, the flotilla's "Family Boat" is said to have come under fire from above. Video footage released by the organisers appears to show an aerial incendiary device descending onto the deck and igniting a blaze, which was later extinguished by the crew. Tunisian authorities initially denied any strike, attributing the fire to an onboard accident.

On 9 September 2025, the British-flagged vessel "Alma" appears to have been similarly targeted. Witnesses and video recordings document an unmanned aerial vehicle dropping what looks like an incendiary munition onto the deck, causing a brief fire that crew members quickly extinguished. The Tunisian authorities have confirmed that this was an assault and that an investigation has been launched.

The Observatory strongly condemns any drone attacks against humanitarian vessels, which represent acts of aggression and calls for a thorough and impartial investigation, along with accountability measures, to prevent further violations.

The Observatory is acutely alarmed by Israel's well-documented pattern of intercepting humanitarian flotillas in international waters, in violation of international maritime law. Other incidents include the interception by Israeli forces on 9 June 2025, of the Madleen, operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, with the detention of humanitarian workers on board. This interception follows similar events predating the launch of the Freedom Flotilla in 2010, when Israel killed and injured humanitarians in an attack on international waters.

Such Israeli actions against people pursuing humanitarian missions constitute violations of established international humanitarian law. The Observatory is concerned that Israeli authorities may again intercept the Global Sumud Flotilla, potentially subjecting the volunteers on board to illegal arrest, detention and ill-treatment. This would delay breaking the siege and directly prevent the people of Gaza from receiving urgently needed food, medical supplies, and other essential assistance, thereby further aggravating the already dire humanitarian situation.

In light of these grave risks, the Observatory further calls on the Government of Israel to allow the Global Sumud Flotilla safe passage to Gaza, refraining from any violent interception or arbitrary detention, and guaranteeing the protection of all humanitarian volunteers on board in full accordance with international law. The Observatory further recalls Israel's legal obligations under international human rights law and international humanitarian law to end the blockade of Gaza by allowing safe, direct, and unrestricted access to aid and by ensuring the opening of a safe and continuous humanitarian corridor that guarantees civilians unimpeded access to essential aid.

The Observatory affirms the right to engage in peaceful and non-violent humanitarian initiatives such as the Global Sumud Flotilla, which is dedicated to delivering aid, and stands in solidarity with the volunteers on board. It also urges the international community to take action for their protection by enhancing protective visibility through social media, press releases, diplomatic protection, and other public advocacy that highlight both the humanitarian and peaceful nature of the voyage, as well as the imperative to safeguard the fundamental rights of those on board and of the people of Gaza.