Switzerland calls on Israel to uphold international law after Gaza aid flotilla interception

Switzerland has called on Israel to respect international law and the rights of activists following the interception of vessels linked to a humanitarian aid flotilla bound for Gaza.

In a written response on Thursday, a spokesperson for the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs said the government is in contact with Israeli authorities and stressed that any measures taken against the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla must comply with legal standards.

“The department is in contact with the Embassy of Israel in Switzerland and the relevant authorities in Israel and has urged them to respect the fundamental rights of the flotilla participants and to comply with international law and the law of the sea,” spokesperson Pierre-Alain Eltschinger said.

He added that any intervention “must adhere to the principle of proportionality.”

Swiss authorities confirmed they are aware of the flotilla, including the participation of eight Swiss nationals. Reports indicate that some vessels were intercepted off the coast of Crete overnight between April 29 and 30, though there is no confirmation that Swiss citizens were among those detained.

The spokesperson noted that participants had previously been warned about “considerable risks,” including potential limits to consular assistance, emphasizing that those who joined the mission did so at their own responsibility. Assistance, if provided, could be restricted or subject to fees under Swiss law.

The foreign ministry also reiterated its long-standing advisory against travel to Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory.

According to Israel’s Foreign Ministry, naval forces intercepted more than 20 vessels from the flotilla in international waters in the Mediterranean and detained around 175 activists. The operation reportedly took place near the Greek island of Crete, far from Israel’s coastline.

The Global Sumud Flotilla, carrying humanitarian supplies, departed two weeks ago from Sicily as part of an effort to challenge Israel’s longstanding blockade of Gaza.

Israel has maintained a blockade on Gaza since 2007. Since October 2023, the territory has also been the focus of a large-scale Israeli military campaign that has caused widespread casualties and destruction.