Global outrage grows over Israel’s flotilla raid

By MNTV staff

(MNTV) – International backlash against Israel’s interception of the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla widened on Friday, with Belgium, Qatar, Germany, Kuwait, South Africa, and the European Green Party all condemning the raid in international waters.

Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot said the manner of the seizure was “unacceptable,” adding that he summoned Israel’s ambassador.

“The manner in which they were boarded and the location in international waters are unacceptable,” he told lawmakers.

Qatar’s Foreign Ministry called the mass detention a “threat to maritime safety and freedom of navigation,” demanding the immediate release of detainees and accountability for “continued violations of international law.”

Doha also urged the international community to ensure safe, sustained delivery of aid into Gaza.

The European Green Party “strongly condemned” the raid, saying it breached international law by blocking humanitarian aid and “silencing independent observers.”

Co-chair Vula Tsetsi called on EU institutions and governments to act, urging “urgent aid delivery, a lasting ceasefire, and accountability for Israel’s acts of violence and genocide.”

Germany’s Foreign Ministry said it had pressed Israel to act with proportionality and guarantee the safety of passengers, which it claimed had been done.

The German embassy in Tel Aviv is attempting to locate nationals who may have been aboard.

Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali al-Yahya confirmed that three Kuwaiti nationals joined the flotilla, two of whom were detained.

He said their release was a “top priority” and pledged that “the ministry will spare no efforts” to secure their safety.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa denounced the raid as a “grave offence” against global solidarity with Gaza.

He demanded the release of South Africans, including Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela, grandson of Nelson Mandela.

“These abductions serve no purpose in efforts to secure peace,” Ramaphosa said, adding that the flotilla “represented solidarity, not confrontation.”