“The Sumud Flotilla is a humanitarian and peaceful mission, bringing food and aid to starving people, and attempting to bring attention to the genocide that the Israeli Government is perpetrating in Gaza. Onboard are humanitarian workers, international media, elected representatives, Members of the European Parliament, including Green MEP Benedetta Scuderi, whose safety and democratic mandate must be fully respected,” said Ciáran Cuffe, Co-Chair of the European Green Party.

“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,” said Vula Tsetsi, Co-Chair of the European Green Party.