Greens call for free passage of humanitarian flotilla

The European Green Party says it “strongly condemns” the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla, carrying humanitarian aid destined for Gaza. 

The Sumud Flotilla is a humanitarian and peaceful mission, taking food and aid to needy people.

It is attempting to bring attention to the situation in Gaza.

Onboard are humanitarian workers, international media, elected representatives, Members of the European Parliament, including Green MEP Benedetta Scuderi.

Ciáran Cuffe, Co-Chair of the European Green Party, said their “safety and democratic mandate must be fully respected”.

Cuffe added: “The Flotilla was intercepted in international waters. Blocking humanitarian aid and silencing independent observers is unacceptable.

“It constitutes a clear breach of international law. 

"We call on EU institutions and national governments to take immediate action to secure the safety and release of all those on board. We call for life-saving aid to be urgently delivered to the civilian population in Gaza. We call for an immediate and lasting ceasefire - and for EU institutions to play their part in ensuring it.

“The Israeli government must be held accountable for its acts of violence and the genocide it continues to perpetrate,” added Vula Tsetsi, Co-Chair of the European Green Party.

Further comment came from Terry Reintke, Greens/EFA Co-President, who said: “The Flotilla was intercepted in international waters while carrying out a humanitarian mission to deliver aid to Gaza, which Israel is under legal obligation to provide.

“Volunteers carrying out a humanitarian mission should never be a military target. 

"We call for the immediate release of MEP Benedetta Scuderi and for life-saving aid to be delivered to the civilian population in Gaza. We call for an immediate and lasting ceasefire and for EU institutions to play their part in ensuring it.”

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