HAMILTON, Canada - On Thursday, October 2, 2025, the United Nations issued a strong call for adherence to international maritime law while condemning actions that endanger civilians, following the latest Israeli assault on the Global Sumud Flotilla, a humanitarian mission delivering aid to the Gaza Strip. The flotilla, comprising numerous vessels carrying essential supplies, was intercepted by Israeli naval forces, sparking global concern over the treatment of humanitarian workers and the ongoing blockade of Gaza.
Farhan Haq, a UN spokesperson, addressed the incident during a press conference, emphasizing the importance of respecting international laws governing maritime activities. “Certainly, we believe that the laws applying to international waters must be respected,” Haq stated, underscoring the UN’s commitment to ensuring the safety of those aboard the flotilla. He stressed that the organization’s primary concern was preventing harm to the activists and ensuring they are treated with dignity and respect for their rights. “Our priority is avoiding any harm to come to those on board the vessels, and we hope that they will be treated fairly,” he added.
When pressed on whether Israel’s actions constituted a violation of international law, Haq refrained from directly accusing any party but reiterated the relevance of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). “We’re aware of the Law of the Sea, and we believe that all countries need to abide by that,” he said, signaling the UN’s expectation that all nations uphold established maritime regulations. This statement reflects the organization’s cautious approach to navigating complex geopolitical tensions while advocating for legal accountability.
Haq also addressed Israel’s justification for the attack, which centered on the enforcement of a “security corridor” around Gaza. While acknowledging Israel’s stated concerns, he emphasized that the UN’s focus remains on safeguarding humanitarian workers. “For us, the priority has been to make sure that no one who is on these humanitarian vessels is put to any harm,” he reiterated. This stance underscores the UN’s broader mission to protect non-combatants engaged in peaceful aid delivery, particularly in conflict zones where humanitarian access is often restricted.
The UN’s support for humanitarian initiatives was a key theme in Haq’s remarks. “We want all efforts to provide humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza to be supported,” he declared, affirming the organization’s commitment to facilitating assistance to Gaza’s beleaguered population. The Gaza Strip, home to approximately 2.4 million people, has been under a stringent Israeli blockade for nearly 18 years, a situation that has severely limited access to basic necessities such as food, medicine, and fuel. The blockade, tightened in March 2025 with the closure of border crossings, has exacerbated an already dire humanitarian crisis, plunging the region into famine and widespread suffering.
When asked whether the flotilla itself could be seen as an escalation of tensions in the region, Haq was unequivocal in his response. “No. We don’t think that the flotilla is an escalation,” he stated, clarifying that the UN views the flotilla as a nonviolent humanitarian effort rather than a provocative act. He acknowledged the volatile dynamics in the region, noting, “We’re aware of how this has worked out on the ground and in the waters.” However, he emphasized the UN’s goal of de-escalation and ensuring the safety of those involved. “What we’re trying to do is make sure that everything is resolved without, in particular, any harm to those who are participating in this nonviolent act,” he said.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, organized by the International Committee to Break the Siege on Gaza (ICBSG), faced a forceful response from Israeli naval forces late Wednesday as it approached Gaza’s coast. According to the flotilla’s organizers, at least 443 activists were detained during the operation. The ICBSG reported that Israel has attacked and seized 22 ships, with an additional 19 believed to have been targeted, though documentation for these incidents is still pending. Of the flotilla’s original fleet, only four vessels remained operational after the attack. Two support ships were forced to turn back, while the vessel Marinet continued its journey toward Gaza, albeit delayed by technical issues that slowed its progress.
The flotilla, which set sail in late August 2025, was a significant undertaking, marking the first time in years that approximately 50 ships had collectively embarked on a mission to deliver aid to Gaza. Laden with critical supplies, including medical equipment and food, the flotilla carried hundreds of civilian activists from various countries, united in their goal to alleviate the suffering of Gaza’s residents. The mission was seen as a bold attempt to challenge Israel’s long-standing blockade, which has restricted the flow of goods and people in and out of the territory since 2007.
Israel’s blockade of Gaza, which began nearly 18 years ago, has had devastating consequences for the region’s population. The closure of border crossings in March 2025, coupled with restrictions on food and medicine deliveries, has pushed Gaza into a state of famine, according to UN and humanitarian reports. The blockade has been widely criticized by international organizations and human rights groups, who argue that it constitutes a form of collective punishment and violates international humanitarian law. The UN has repeatedly called for the lifting of restrictions to allow unimpeded access to humanitarian aid, warning that Gaza is becoming increasingly uninhabitable.
Since October 2023, the situation in Gaza has deteriorated further due to intensified Israeli military operations. According to Palestinian health authorities, over 66,200 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, have been killed in Israeli bombardments over the past two years. The relentless airstrikes, combined with the blockade, have created a catastrophic humanitarian crisis characterized by widespread starvation, disease, and displacement. The UN and various human rights organizations have issued urgent warnings about the worsening conditions, with reports indicating that basic infrastructure, including hospitals and water systems, has been decimated.
The attack on the Global Sumud Flotilla has drawn renewed attention to the plight of Gaza’s residents and the challenges faced by those attempting to deliver aid. The flotilla’s organizers, along with international supporters, argue that such missions are essential to addressing the immediate needs of the population and highlighting the broader issue of the blockade. The incident has also reignited debates about the legality of Israel’s actions under international law, particularly its enforcement of a naval blockade in international waters.
Critics of Israel’s policies contend that the attack on the flotilla violates the principles of freedom of navigation and the right to deliver humanitarian aid. The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, cited by Haq, establishes rules for maritime activities, including the rights of vessels to operate in international waters. By intercepting the flotilla, Israel has been accused of overstepping its authority and undermining the ability of humanitarian organizations to operate freely. However, Israel maintains that its actions are necessary to prevent the smuggling of weapons and to maintain security in the region.
The UN’s response to the incident reflects its broader efforts to balance diplomatic neutrality with advocacy for humanitarian principles. By emphasizing the importance of protecting civilians and upholding international law, the organization seeks to draw attention to the urgent needs in Gaza without escalating tensions further. Haq’s remarks underscore the UN’s commitment to supporting peaceful initiatives aimed at alleviating suffering, while also calling for accountability and respect for legal frameworks.
The attack on the Global Sumud Flotilla is likely to intensify international scrutiny of Israel’s policies toward Gaza and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens, the need for unhindered access to aid becomes ever more critical. The UN’s call for respect for international maritime law and the protection of civilians serves as a reminder of the global community’s responsibility to address the suffering in Gaza and work toward a just and sustainable resolution to the conflict.
In the wake of the incident, the international community faces renewed pressure to address the root causes of the crisis, including the blockade and the ongoing violence. The fate of the detained activists and the remaining vessels of the flotilla remains uncertain, but the events of this week have once again highlighted the challenges of delivering aid in a conflict zone and the urgent need for a coordinated global response to the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.
