UN comments on the Israeli attack against the Global Freedom Flotilla.

Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General Farhan Haq commented on the Israeli attack against the Global Solidarity Fleet, expressing hope that the participants in the fleet would not be harmed.

During a press conference, Haq called for respect for the laws in force in international waters in light of the Israeli attack against the Global Solidarity Fleet.

In response to a question about the Israeli occupation army's attack on the fleet and its detention of several ships and activists on board, Haq said: "We certainly believe in the necessity of respecting the laws in force in international waters. That is all I can say on this matter."

Regarding the position of Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on the civilian activists detained by Israel, Haq indicated that the organization's priority is to ensure that the individuals on board the ships are not harmed and that they are treated in a manner that respects their rights and dignity.

When asked why the Secretary-General hesitated to condemn the attack on the Global Solidarity Fleet, while he previously rushed to condemn attacks targeting ships in international waters in the Red Sea, Haq replied: "There is no other context I can share with you regarding the fleet."

As for whether Guterres discussed the issue of the fleet with any of the leaders, Haq confirmed that the Secretary-General had conversations with a large number of leaders during the 80th General Assembly meetings last month, addressing the situation in Gaza, including the issues raised by the activists on board the fleet.

On Wednesday evening, the "Solidarity Fleet" aiming to break the blockade on Gaza announced via the "X" platform that it was under attack from about 10 Israeli ships.

The fleet issued a distress call after the Israeli army intercepted its ships in international waters, considering this escalation a "war crime."

International organizations, including "Amnesty International," called for protection for the "Solidarity Fleet," while the United Nations confirmed that any attack on it is "unacceptable."

The Israeli attack sparked popular protests and official condemnations observed in several countries, amid calls for the release of the detained activists and accountability for Tel Aviv for its crimes and violations of international law.

Israel, the occupying power in Palestine, has previously engaged in acts of piracy against ships heading to Gaza, seizing them and deporting the activists on board.

This is the first time that dozens of ships are sailing together towards Gaza, which is home to about 2.4 million Palestinians, in a collective attempt to break the ongoing Israeli blockade on the territory for 18 years.

Since October 7, 2023, Israel, with American support, has been committing genocide in Gaza, resulting in 66,225 martyrs and 168,938 injured, most of whom are children and women, and famine that has claimed the lives of 455 Palestinians, including 151 children.