(MENAFN) Irish President Michael Higgins expressed grave concern on Wednesday night over an Israeli strike on the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla and the shutdown of two principal roads in Gaza City, which have effectively severed the northern part of the territory from the south.

Describing the developments as events that “should alarm the entire world,” Higgins emphasized the seriousness of the situation.

Referencing widespread agreement among UN member states that acknowledging Palestinian statehood is vital for lasting peace in the area, Higgins posed a pointed question: “where stands this commitment now” — especially when an aid flotilla carrying assistance for “those who are in desperate need is being prevented from achieving that humanitarian objective.”

Israeli naval units reportedly intercepted the international aid flotilla on Wednesday evening, capturing the activists on board when the vessels were approximately 80 nautical miles (148 kilometers) away from Gaza’s coastline.

The International Committee for Breaking the Siege on Gaza (ICBSG) condemned the actions, accusing Israel of employing aggressive tactics against the volunteers.

According to the committee, naval forces collided with at least one vessel, unleashed water cannons, and stormed the boats while “brutally mistreating peaceful detainees from 50 countries around the world.”

President Higgins stressed that the well-being and protection of the activists is a “concern for all of us and all of the nations from which the people come.”

He also drew attention to the worsening humanitarian situation on the ground, warning that simultaneous road closures were leaving Gaza’s civilian population increasingly exposed.

“At the same time as this is occurring,” Higgins noted, “the exit from northern Gaza towards the south is in danger of being blocked, leaving a civilian population who could not be more vulnerable to the mercy of endless bombing and the destruction of their homes.”

On Wednesday, Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee announced on the platform X, owned by the US tech company, that the Netzarim Axis had been closed off to southbound traffic.

The move was framed as an effort to “gain operational control over the Netzarim Corridor” in northern Gaza.

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