UN calls on Israel to respect the rights of the activists of the Resilience Fleet.

The United Nations has called for respect for the laws in force in international waters following the Israeli attack on the Freedom Flotilla, expressing hope that participants in the flotilla will not be harmed.

This was stated by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, during the daily press conference on Thursday evening.

In response to a question about Israel's attack on the Freedom Flotilla and its detention of several ships and hundreds of 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 Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' stance on the civilian activists detained by Israel, Haq pointed out that the organization's priority is "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 by an Anadolu reporter why the Secretary-General hesitated to condemn the attack on the Freedom Flotilla, 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 flotilla."

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

On Wednesday evening, the Freedom Flotilla to break the siege on Gaza announced via X platform that it was attacked by about 10 Israeli warships.

The flotilla 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, have called for protection for the "Freedom Flotilla," while the United Nations confirmed that any attack on it is unacceptable.

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

Israel 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 collectively sailing towards Gaza, home to about 2.4 million Palestinians, in a collective attempt to break the ongoing Israeli siege 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.