Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –
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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News
Athens, Oct. 2 (Xinhua) — European countries on Wednesday called on Israel to ensure the safety of its citizens on board the Sumud flotilla of humanitarian aid ships heading to Gaza that were intercepted by the Jewish state earlier in the day.
The flotilla, which includes 50 vessels and more than 500 volunteers from over 40 countries, intends to break Israel's naval blockade of the Gaza Strip and deliver food and medical aid to Palestinians.
Israel's Foreign Ministry confirmed on Wednesday that it had "detained several vessels in the flotilla" and that the process was "safe" and that "passengers were transported to an Israeli port."
Portuguese authorities have confirmed that three Portuguese nationals, including a member of parliament, have been detained.
Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa promised to provide the detainees with “full consular support” through the country’s embassy in Tel Aviv to ensure their rights and safe return.
Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto condemned the interception of the flotilla because the vessels were carrying Italian citizens. He added that he had authorized the "immediate intervention" of the country's naval unit, which is dispatched to the area to conduct possible rescue operations.
France and Spain also expressed concern, calling on Israel to ensure the safety of its citizens, guarantee their right to consular protection and allow them to quickly return home.
On Wednesday evening, the flotilla condemned the "active aggression" of the Israeli military in a Telegram post, noting that the Florida was "deliberately rammed at sea" and that the Yulara, Meteque and others were fired upon with water cannons.
Although no crew members were harmed, “these unlawful attacks on unarmed humanitarian vessels constitute a war crime,” the statement said. –0–
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