President Muizzu Condemns Israeli Seizure of Gaza Aid Flotilla as ‘Unacceptable Intimidation,’ Urges International Response

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has condemned the seizure of the Global Sumud Flotilla, an international convoy carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza, Palestine, after it was intercepted in international waters. He described the action as an unacceptable act of intimidation against unarmed civilians.

"Strongly condemn Israel’s interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters, unarmed civilian vessels carrying vital humanitarian aid to Gaza," President Muizzu said in a social media post. "Such intimidation is unacceptable and must not be tolerated."

The president said the flotilla’s mission was strictly humanitarian, intended to deliver essential supplies to Palestinians in Gaza who have long been deprived of their basic rights. "Targeting a humanitarian convoy carrying relief to a population deprived of freedom and basic necessities is a grave affront to humanity and international law," he said. He described the passengers as unarmed civilians and insisted that the seizure of their vessels could not be accepted.

The Global Sumud Flotilla is a multinational initiative organised by citizens from 44 countries, including the Maldives. Its aim is to break the blockade of Gaza and provide humanitarian assistance to Palestinians living under Israeli occupation. The convoy includes more than 500 activists, among them members of parliament and lawyers from various nations. Ibrahim Shaz, Secretary General of the Maldives-based International Aid Campaign, is also participating in the mission.

Organisers said Israeli forces boarded and halted 13 vessels belonging to the convoy, while another 30 ships remain en route to Gaza. They reported that the interception led to arrests and the obstruction of the convoy. Activists released videos that show armed Jewish soldiers boarding the ships, describing their detention as an "illegal crime".

President Muizzu accused Israel of repeatedly disregarding human dignity. "Through its repeated disregard for human dignity, showing neither mercy nor compassion, Israel has further isolated itself from the rest of the world," he wrote, adding that such actions demonstrate a persistent lack of respect for humanity, care, and compassion.

He urged the international community to intervene. "We call on the international community to take decisive actions against Israel's gross and repeated violations of international law, which go far beyond the moral compass shared by humanity," the president said.

The president concluded by reaffirming the Maldives’ support for the Palestinian people. "The Maldives stands in unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people in their just struggle for human right, justice, peace and security," he said.