Amnesty International: Israel's interception of the Freedom Flotilla is an indication of a systematic policy to starve Gaza.

Amnesty International has accused Israel of committing a serious violation of international law, following its naval forces' interception of at least 39 ships within the 'Global Solidarity' fleet and the detention of dozens of its crew members, who were on their way to deliver urgent humanitarian aid to the besieged Gaza Strip.

The organization's Secretary General, Agnes Callamard, described the incident as a 'blatant assault on a peaceful humanitarian mission,' emphasizing that Israel seeks through this action to continue its systematic policy of starvation against the Palestinians amid what she termed the ongoing 'genocide' in the region.

Callamard pointed out that the interception of the ships was preceded by weeks of Israeli incitement and threats, in addition to sabotage attempts against some of them, considering that these practices represent a clear contempt for the binding orders issued by the International Court of Justice to ensure the flow of aid to Gaza.

Amnesty International called for the immediate and unconditional release of all detainees, holding Israel fully responsible for their safety.

It also stressed that preventing the fleet's arrival is not merely a ban on aid, but rather a 'calculated act of intimidation' aimed at punishing voices opposing the policies of occupation and siege.

It is noteworthy that the 'Global Solidarity' fleet included human rights activists, doctors, parliamentarians, and journalists from more than 40 countries, in a symbolic initiative aimed at breaking the blockade imposed on Gaza since 2007, which has tightened dramatically since October 2023.

Callamard affirmed that 'the time for empty condemnations has passed,' urging the international community to take practical measures to stop the policy of starvation and lift the blockade immediately, and to ensure the unobstructed flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza.