French MP Blasts Israeli Strike on Gaza-Bound Flotilla as 'War Crime'

(MENAFN) French parliamentarian Marie Mesmeur, who joined the Global Sumud Flotilla, has strongly denounced Israel’s recent strike on the humanitarian convoy, labeling the drone attacks a “war crime” under international law.

In comments to Anadolu, Mesmeur pointed to the Rome Statute — the treaty that established the International Criminal Court (ICC) — asserting that Israel’s actions violated Article 8, which prohibits military assaults on civilian vessels.

“This is a war crime, because under international law, attacking a civilian vessel with no military purpose constitutes a war crime under Article 8 of the Rome Statute of the ICC,” Mesmeur said.

The convoy, carrying aid toward Palestinian coastal areas, came under assault Wednesday while navigating Greece’s Search and Rescue (SAR) zone. According to Mesmeur, Israeli drone strikes targeted 11 vessels across 13 separate attacks. That same day, Israel’s Foreign Ministry issued warnings to participants in the flotilla.

“They tried to intimidate us, scare us, and force us to stop in Greece and not continue, but it didn’t work because not a single ship stopped,” she said.

Mesmeur stressed that the mission remained undeterred despite the aggression. “We remain as determined as ever. I think this shows that they fear we are setting a precedent by reaching the Palestinian coasts and opening a humanitarian corridor.”

The French lawmaker argued that Israel is not only alarmed by the flotilla’s resilience but also by growing international solidarity. “Israeli officials are concerned about both the flotilla participants’ determination and the public outcry the mission has sparked worldwide,” she said.

Criticizing the broader geopolitical response, Mesmeur condemned Israel’s targeting of what she described as “peaceful civilians” amid increasing international recognition of Palestine at the United Nations.

She also praised civil society efforts in Italy, where public pressure — including a general strike — pushed officials to protect Italian nationals aboard the flotilla. But she issued a pointed rebuke of France’s leadership.

“Once again, Macron remains completely indifferent and ineffective regarding the ongoing genocide and the protection of his citizens on the flotilla,” Mesmeur said.

The Global Sumud Flotilla is part of an ongoing effort to break the blockade on Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid directly to Palestinians by sea.

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