Spain, Brazil, UK condemn Israel over Gaza flotilla raid
Spain has summoned Israel’s charge d’affaires in Madrid following the attack on the Gaza-bound Global Sumud humanitarian aid flotilla
MADRID (MNTV) – Spain, Brazil, and the United Kingdom have condemned Israel’s interception of the Gaza-bound Global Sumud humanitarian flotilla, calling for the protection of their citizens aboard and for aid to reach the besieged territory.
Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares told broadcaster RTVE that the Israeli charge d’affaires in Madrid, Dana Erlich, was summoned to hear Spain’s protest.
He said 65 Spanish nationals were on the flotilla, stressing that they “posed no threat to Israel or anyone else” and that their “sole objective was humanitarian.”
Albares emphasized that safeguarding “the physical integrity and rights” of those detained was Madrid’s immediate concern.
Brazil’s Foreign Ministry issued a parallel condemnation, saying it “deplores the Israeli government’s military action, which violates rights and endangers the physical well-being of peaceful protesters.”
It added that Israel bears responsibility for the safety of those detained. Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira confirmed that 15 Brazilians, including Workers’ Party lawmaker Luizianne Lins, were aboard the flotilla.
The U.K. Foreign Office also expressed alarm, saying London was “very concerned” about the situation and was in contact with the families of British nationals involved.
“The aid carried by the flotilla should be turned over to humanitarian organisations on the ground to be delivered safely into Gaza,” it said, adding that Israel must “immediately and unconditionally” lift restrictions on humanitarian aid so the UN and NGOs can deliver essentials to civilians.
Flotilla organizers said Israeli naval forces attacked the convoy on Thursday in international waters, detaining 317 activists from dozens of countries, including Spain, Brazil, Italy, Turkiye, Greece, the US, Germany, Sweden, the UK, and France.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry said detainees were being taken to Ashdod port for deportation to Europe.
The first groups were expected to arrive by 09:00 GMT (noon local time), though the process could last all day.
According to the flotilla tracker, 21 vessels have already been intercepted while 23 remain en route to Gaza.
Communications with the ships are limited due to jamming and activists discarding phones to avoid surveillance.
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