ISLAMABAD: Pakistan, Türkiye, Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Jordan, Libya, Maldives and Spain on Monday condemned the Israeli assault on the “Global Sumud Flotilla”, calling the reported incidents a violation of international law and demanding the release of detained activists.

In a joint statement issued from Islamabad, the foreign ministers of the participating countries said they “condemn in the strongest terms” what they described as renewed Israeli assaults on sumud flotilla, a civilian humanitarian initiative aimed at highlighting the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The ministers said they were “gravely concerned” over what they termed repeated Israeli interventions against previous flotillas in international waters, adding that attacks on civilian vessels and the detention of activists amounted to violations of international humanitarian law and international law.

They also expressed concern for the safety of those aboard the flotilla and called for the “immediate release of all detained activists”, urging full respect for their rights and dignity.

The statement said repeated attacks on peaceful humanitarian missions reflected Israel’s disregard for international law and freedom of navigation.

It further called on the international community to ensure protection for civilians and humanitarian operations, while taking steps to end impunity and ensure accountability for violations.

The joint statement was issued in Islamabad on May 19.