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Published : 03 Oct 2025, 08:25 PM
Bangladesh has condemned the Israeli forces’ interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters, which was carrying humanitarian aid for Gaza.
In a statement on Friday, the foreign ministry described the act as “a flagrant violation of international law and a brazen manifestation of Israel’s use of hunger as a weapon of war.”
Bangladesh called for the immediate and unconditional release of all detained humanitarian workers and activists, urging Israel to guarantee their safety and well-being.
It urged Israel to end its illegal occupation of Gaza and the West Bank, respect international humanitarian law, and immediately cease its “genocidal war and humanitarian blockade in Gaza”.
The statement noted that the flotilla represents global solidarity with the occupied Palestinian people.
“Israel must allow its unhindered access to Gaza, where the civilian population continues to be denied their fundamental rights to life, dignity, and livelihood by the occupying Israeli forces,” it read.
Bangladesh expressed its support for the Palestinian people during this “hour of grave distress and continued suffering”.
The flotilla initiative, supported internationally, aims to break Israel’s naval blockade and deliver humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza.
Representatives from 44 countries are participating, including Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and Portuguese politician Mariana Mortágua.
Over the past two days, Israeli forces have taken control of nearly 40 ships in the flotilla and detained the activists, sending them to prison.
Thunberg said in a video message that the Israeli forces had “kidnapped” her. She had previously been detained for a few days by Israel in June before being released.
Israel has maintained a naval blockade on Gaza since Hamas took control of the territory in 2007, claiming the measure is intended to “prevent arms smuggling”.
The blockade has drawn international criticism, particularly during intensified military campaigns.
In October 2023, Hamas launched a cross-border attack into southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking around 250 hostages.
In response, Israel launched a military campaign in Gaza that has since killed more than 64,000 Palestinians.
Since March, Israel’s restrictions on food aid routes have triggered a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
According to the United Nations, parts of the enclave are now facing famine.
