Islambad: Ten countries, including Pakistan, jointly condemned Israel’s interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a humanitarian mission intended to highlight the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza.

The statement, issued on Tuesday by the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Turkiye, Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Jordan, Libya, Maldives and Spain, was shared by Pakistan’s Foreign Office on X. The countries described the Israeli action as a serious violation of international and humanitarian law, citing attacks on civilian vessels and the detention of humanitarian activists.

The ministers expressed concern over what they described as repeated Israeli actions against aid flotillas operating in international waters. They warned that continued interference with peaceful humanitarian missions demonstrated disregard for international law and freedom of navigation.

The statement also raised alarm over the safety of the flotilla participants and demanded the immediate release of all detained activists while urging respect for their rights and dignity. The countries called on the international community to take responsibility for protecting civilians and humanitarian operations and to ensure accountability for violations.

Among those detained was Saad Edhi, son of social worker Faisal Edhi and grandson of philanthropist Abdul Sattar Edhi. He was taken into custody by Israeli forces along with other members of the flotilla after the vessels were intercepted in the eastern Mediterranean on Monday.

According to Indonesia’s Republika newspaper, nine Indonesian nationals, including two journalists, were also detained. Organisers further stated that 15 Irish citizens were on board, among them Margaret Connolly, the sister of Irish President Catherine Connolly.

Israel’s foreign ministry defended the interception earlier this week, maintaining that the country would not permit any attempt to breach what it called the lawful naval blockade on Gaza.

The Global Sumud Flotilla had departed from southern Turkiye on Thursday in its third attempt to deliver aid to Gaza after previous missions were stopped by Israeli authorities in international waters.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also praised the interception operation, describing it as a successful effort to prevent attempts to challenge the blockade imposed on Hamas in Gaza.

Israel has controlled access to Gaza since imposing a blockade in 2007. Since the outbreak of the Gaza conflict, the territory has faced severe shortages of food, medicine and other basic necessities, with aid deliveries periodically suspended.

Last month, another flotilla carrying activists and aid was intercepted near Greece in international waters. Most participants were later deported to Europe. Former senator Mushtaq Ahmed was also among those detained during that incident.