Oman’s Foreign Ministry was among the first to respond, issuing a strongly worded statement that described the Israeli attack as “another violation of all international and humanitarian laws.” The ministry emphasized that the assault on the flotilla, which was carrying critical humanitarian aid and medical supplies, reflects a broader and systematic policy by Israel to weaponize starvation as a tool of war. At a time when international calls for an end to the famine in Gaza are growing louder, Oman warned that such “inhumane acts” only deepen the suffering of Palestinians and expose Israel’s disregard for global humanitarian standards.
Jordan echoed these sentiments, condemning the attack as “a blatant violation of international law, a threat to freedom of navigation, and an endangerment of civilian lives.” The Jordanian Foreign Ministry expressed deep concern for the safety of Jordanian citizens who were aboard the flotilla, holding Israel fully responsible for their well-being. The ministry stated that it is closely monitoring the situation and working to ensure the safety of its nationals, while calling for immediate international action to address the incident and its implications for regional stability.
Qatar also joined the chorus of condemnation, labeling the assault a “flagrant violation of international law and a threat to maritime security.” In a formal statement, the Qatari Foreign Ministry demanded an urgent investigation into the attack and insisted that those responsible be held accountable. Qatar’s response underscored the need for transparency and justice, particularly given the flotilla’s humanitarian mission to deliver aid to a population facing severe shortages of food, medicine, and other essentials.
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry issued a scathing rebuke, describing the Israeli attack as a violation of international law and norms, including the Convention on the Law of the Sea, as well as fundamental humanitarian principles and the human rights of the flotilla’s participants. The ministry highlighted the broader context of Israel’s actions, noting that the attack is part of a pattern of aggression against Palestinians, including the 18-year blockade of Gaza, which has severely restricted access to basic necessities and exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in the enclave.
Kuwait’s Foreign Minister, Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya, addressed the situation in a statement to the state news agency KUNA, expressing concern for Kuwaiti nationals detained by Israeli forces during the attack. Al-Yahya affirmed that the ministry is exerting “all possible efforts” to secure the safety and immediate release of its citizens, emphasizing Kuwait’s commitment to protecting its nationals and supporting the Palestinian cause. The minister’s remarks reflect the broader regional sentiment of solidarity with the Palestinian people and condemnation of Israel’s actions.
Bahrain’s Foreign Ministry similarly expressed alarm over the detention of Bahraini citizens aboard the flotilla, stating that it is closely following the situation and working to secure their release as soon as possible. The ministry’s response underscored the urgency of the situation and the need for diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis and ensure the safety of those detained.
The Tripoli-based Libyan government also issued a statement holding Israeli authorities fully responsible for the safety of Libyan citizens aboard the Omar al-Mukhtar vessel, one of the ships in the flotilla. The Libyan Foreign Ministry noted that the vessel was carrying urgent humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza, who have been besieged and subjected to dire conditions. Libya’s statement emphasized the importance of protecting its citizens and condemned Israel’s attack as an unjustifiable act of aggression against a peaceful humanitarian mission.
According to organizers, Israeli naval forces attacked the flotilla as it neared Gaza’s coast, detaining at least 443 activists on board. The International Committee to Break the Siege on Gaza (ICBSG) reported that 22 ships were attacked and seized by Israeli forces, with an additional 19 believed to have been targeted, though documentation of these incidents is still pending. Of the four vessels that remained, two support ships were forced to turn back, while the vessel Marinet continued its journey toward Gaza despite technical malfunctions that delayed its arrival. The flotilla, which set sail at the end of August, marked a significant effort to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, with approximately 50 ships carrying hundreds of civilian supporters and vital supplies such as food and medical equipment.
Israel’s blockade of Gaza, which has been in place for nearly 18 years, has significantly worsened the humanitarian situation in the enclave. The blockade, tightened further in March with the closure of border crossings and restrictions on food and medicine deliveries, has pushed Gaza into a state of famine. Since October 2023, Israeli bombardment has resulted in the deaths of more than 66,200 Palestinians, the majority of whom are women and children. The United Nations and various human rights organizations have repeatedly warned that Gaza is becoming uninhabitable, with starvation and disease spreading rapidly due to the lack of access to basic necessities.
The attack on the Global Sumud Flotilla has reignited international criticism of Israel’s policies toward Gaza, particularly its use of military force to intercept humanitarian missions. The flotilla’s mission was seen as a critical effort to alleviate the suffering of Palestinians, who have endured years of isolation and deprivation under the blockade. The participation of citizens from multiple Arab countries, including Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Libya, underscores the regional solidarity with the Palestinian cause and the shared commitment to addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The incident has also raised questions about the legality of Israel’s actions under international law, particularly its obligations under the Convention on the Law of the Sea, which governs maritime conduct and the rights of vessels in international waters. The attack on the flotilla, which was carrying peaceful activists and humanitarian aid, has been widely condemned as a violation of these principles, as well as a direct threat to the safety of civilians exercising their right to deliver aid to those in need.
As the situation unfolds, Arab governments have vowed to continue monitoring the status of their detained citizens and to press for accountability on the international stage. The collective response from Oman, Jordan, Qatar, Palestine, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Libya reflects a unified stance against Israel’s actions and a call for justice for the victims of the attack. The incident has also galvanized renewed calls for an end to the blockade of Gaza and for urgent international intervention to address the humanitarian catastrophe in the enclave.
The attack on the Global Sumud Flotilla serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing humanitarian efforts in conflict zones and the broader implications of Israel’s policies in Gaza. As the international community grapples with the fallout from this incident, the focus remains on securing the release of the detained activists, ensuring accountability for those responsible, and addressing the root causes of the crisis in Gaza. The Arab world’s unified condemnation underscores the urgency of finding a resolution to the ongoing conflict and alleviating the suffering of the Palestinian people, who continue to bear the brunt of a prolonged and devastating blockade.
