Gaza Sumud Flotilla: Allegations of Israeli violations of International Maritime Law
Recent confrontations surrounding the Gaza Sumud Flotilla have intensified scrutiny of Israel’s actions in international waters and sparked concerns over potential breaches of international law, severely straining Israel-Turkiye relations. The flotilla missions aim to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza amidst ongoing conflict.
[Image of map showing flotilla interception locations – as provided in original text]
(Al jazeera)
In 2024, UN experts asserted that “The Freedom Flotilla has the right of free passage in international waters, and Israel must not interfere with its freedom of navigation, long recognised under international law.” The Sumud Flotilla specifically navigated through international waters and into Palestinian territorial waters, where proponents maintain a legal right to deliver humanitarian assistance.
Stephen Cotton, General Secretary of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), representing over 16.5 million transport workers globally, stated unequivocally: “The law of the sea is clear: attacking or seizing non-violent, humanitarian vessels in international waters is illegal and unacceptable.” He further warned, “Such actions endanger lives and undermine the basic principles that keep the seas safe for all.This is not only about seafarers,it’s about the safety of everyone at sea,whether on a commercial ship,a humanitarian vessel,or a fishing boat. States cannot pick and choose when to respect international law. The seas must not be turned into a theater of war.” Cotton shared these comments with Al Jazeera.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition argues that their mission is not only lawful but also protected by a thorough framework of international legal instruments, including:
[Image of list of international laws – as provided in original text]
* The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) – Guarantees freedom of navigation on the high seas.
* San Remo Manual on International Law Applicable to Armed Conflicts at Sea - prohibits blockades that cause starvation or disproportionate suffering and forbids the targeting of neutral humanitarian missions.
* UN Security Council Resolutions 2720 and 2728 - These binding instruments demand unimpeded humanitarian access and the removal of all barriers to aid delivery.
* Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide – Includes the prevention of acts deliberately endangering civilians.
* Fourth Geneva Convention - Imposes an obligation to permit the free passage of humanitarian aid and prohibit interference with relief operations and the targeting of civilian infrastructure.
* Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court – Criminalises the starvation of civilians as a method of warfare and willful obstruction of humanitarian aid.
