The government of Bangladesh on Friday condemned the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was carrying humanitarian assistance for the people of Gaza, by the Israeli occupying forces in international waters.
鈥楾his act is a flagrant violation of international law and a brazen manifestation of Israel鈥檚 use of hunger as a weapon of war,鈥� said a press release issued by the foreign ministry in Dhaka on the day.
Bangladesh also urged Israel to end its illegal occupation of Gaza and the West Bank, respect international humanitarian law, and immediately cease its genocidal war and humanitarian blockade in Gaza, said the release.
It demanded an immediate and unconditional release of all detained humanitarian aid workers and activists and to guarantee their safety and well-being.
According to an Agence France-Presse report, the Global Sumud Flotilla 鈥� consisting of dozens of ships 鈥� set sail past month, ferrying politicians and activists, including Swedish campaigner Greta Thunberg, towards Gaza, where the United Nations says famine is taking hold.
The Israeli navy began intercepting them on October 1, and an Israeli official said the following day that boats with over 400 people on board had been prevented from reaching the coastal territory, the report said.
The flotilla said on Friday that 42 vessels had been 鈥榠llegally intercepted鈥� and their passengers 鈥榰nlawfully abducted鈥�, the report said.
According to the Bangladesh foreign ministry release, the much-needed humanitarian aid flotilla represents the global solidarity with the occupied Palestinian people.
Israel must allow its unhindered access to Gaza, where the civilian population continues to be denied their fundamental rights to life, dignity and livelihood by the occupying Israeli forces, it said.
The government and people of Bangladesh stand in unwavering solidarity with the people of Palestine in this hour of grave distress and continued suffering, the release added.
