UN says Israel's interception of Gaza-bound flotilla 'extremely concerning'

The UN voiced concern Thursday about Israel's interception of the Global Sumud humanitarian aid flotilla in international waters, urging all parties to comply with international law and allow greater humanitarian access.

"The way this operation was conducted is extremely concerning. Everyone needs to follow their obligations under international law," spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters.

"We don't want anyone to be harmed, but let's be frank, the solution to all this is greater humanitarian access," he added.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry said naval forces intercepted and seized more than 20 ships from the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters in the Mediterranean Sea and detained about 175 activists on board. The attack took place near the Greek Island of Crete, hundreds of nautical miles (more than 1,000 kilometers) from Israel.

The flotilla, carrying humanitarian aid, set sail two weeks ago from the Italian island of Sicily, with 58 vessels aiming to break Israel's years-long blockade of Gaza.

Israel has imposed a crippling blockade on the Gaza Strip since 2007, leaving the territory’s 2.4 million population on the verge of starvation.

In October 2023, Israel launched a brutal two-year offensive on Gaza, killing more than 72,000 people, injuring over 172,000, and causing massive destruction across the besieged territory.