(MENAFN) The Netherlands urged Israel on Thursday to guarantee the safety of all passengers following an Israeli assault on the Global Sumud Flotilla.

"We urge the Israeli authorities to ensure the safety of the passengers. The ministry already made this appeal in its contacts with the Israeli authorities," the Dutch Foreign Ministry said in a statement shared on X.

The ministry also stressed that "all individuals are advised against traveling independently to a war zone, regardless of their status."

Dutch officials confirmed ongoing communication with Israeli authorities "to determine whether any Dutch nationals have been detained, so that we can provide them with consular assistance if desired."

The ministry added that it is maintaining contact with the families of Dutch nationals involved, emphasizing: "We will continue to monitor developments."

The Global Sumud Flotilla, consisting of more than 40 vessels carrying over 500 volunteers from around 40 countries, was targeted by Israeli naval forces on Wednesday, approximately 80 nautical miles (148 kilometers) off the coast of Gaza.

Reports indicate Israeli forces attacked 21 vessels and detained at least 317 activists, according to the flotilla’s official tracker.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry stated the detained individuals were being transported to Ashdod Port and would subsequently be deported to Europe.

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