AhlulBayt News Agency: An international human rights group has called for an independent investigation into an Israeli drone strike on a Freedom Flotilla vessel carrying humanitarian aid to the besieged Gaza Strip. The attack, which took place in international waters near Malta, has drawn widespread condemnation from rights organizations and political groups.
In a statement released on Friday, Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor urged an impartial probe under Maltese jurisdiction, with UN participation, stressing the need for accountability. The Swiss-based group underscored that targeting a civilian aid ship in international waters is a blatant violation of the UN Charter, the Law of the Sea, and the Rome Statute, which strictly prohibits attacks on humanitarian missions.
The organization warned that failure to take action would embolden further assaults on humanitarian initiatives and exacerbate the crisis unfolding in Gaza. “This attack aligns with a documented pattern of force used to prevent humanitarian ships from reaching the Gaza Strip, even before they approach its shores,” the statement emphasized. Euro-Med also demanded guarantees for safe passage of humanitarian aid bound for Gaza.
Palestinian resistance movements Hamas and Islamic Jihad condemned the strike as an act of piracy and a blatant breach of international law. The attack, which caused an explosion and fire aboard the vessel, occurred while it was en route to Gaza, attempting to deliver essential supplies to the territory.
The Maltese government confirmed that the fire was contained, stating that 16 individuals were onboard. However, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition countered this, saying 30 people were aboard at the time of the strike and that the ship had issued a distress signal.
Euro-Med also called for Israeli ambassadors to be summoned to answer for violations of international law, including the ongoing Gaza blockade and the bombing of civilian vessels.
The drone strike took place as the Freedom Flotilla is campaigning to end the Tel Aviv regime’s siege of Gaza, which is exacerbating the humanitarian situation and causing severe shortages of basic necessities, including food and medical supplies.
In March, the Israeli regime's prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, banned aid deliveries into Gaza in a move he said was meant to pressure Hamas into accepting an extension of the first stage of the ceasefire deal, which Israel broke.
Israeli minister of military affairs Israel Katz recently said no preparations were being made to bring supplies into the strip.
Katz further said the regime would not allow any humanitarian aid to enter Gaza, confirming that food is being used as a tool of pressure against Hamas.
It has been several weeks since Israel has blocked the entry of food, medicine and other critical supplies.
Aid agencies say there are concerns of a full-blown famine taking hold across the blockaded Palestinian territory.
/129
Your Comment