Poland Concerned Over Israeli Seizure of Gaza Aid Flotilla

(MENAFN) Poland's Foreign Ministry voiced serious concern Wednesday over Israel's military interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla, calling for urgent answers from Tel Aviv after Israeli forces seized all vessels in the humanitarian convoy.

In an official statement, Warsaw said it is "observing with great concern the actions" taken by the Israeli armed forces against activists participating in the voyage of the Global Sumud Flotilla, whose declared goal is to deliver humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip — and demanded immediate clarification over the fate of Polish nationals detained aboard one of the ships.

The ministry invoked core principles of international maritime law, stating: "Respect for international law, including the international law of the sea and international humanitarian law, is the duty of all states."

Poland further stressed that freedom of navigation on the high seas is a foundational legal principle, and that vessels remain under the exclusive authority of their flag state. "This freedom cannot be restricted or violated by other states," the ministry said, signaling a direct legal challenge to Israel's conduct.

Expressing anxiety over the welfare of its detained citizens, Warsaw stated: "We express hope that their safety will not be violated and that the rights to which they are entitled will be fully respected."

The ministry added Poland expects an "urgent clarification" of all circumstances surrounding the conduct of the operation by the Israeli force on the high seas.

The Global Sumud Flotilla confirmed Tuesday that all 50 vessels in its aid convoy had been seized by Israel. The ships were carrying 428 people from 44 countries, including 78 Turkish citizens.

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