UN Rights Office Condemns Treatment of Gaza Flotilla Activists

(MENAFN) The UN human rights office has criticized the treatment of activists detained during the interception of Gaza-bound aid flotilla vessels, describing footage of the incident as “outrageous,” according to statements reported on Thursday.

The comments were made by spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani, who said the office was alarmed by video showing detained activists restrained after being taken into custody by Israeli forces in international waters.

The footage in question, circulated publicly, reportedly shows detainees with their hands bound and being held in controlled positions following the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a humanitarian convoy attempting to reach Gaza.

According to the UN human rights office, there are concerns that the arrests and detentions may have taken place under unlawful circumstances, given that the vessels were operating in international waters. The office also expressed concern over the detention of hundreds of participants aboard foreign-flagged ships.

Officials emphasized that the delivery of humanitarian aid should not be criminalized, calling such actions unacceptable under international norms governing humanitarian access and protection.

The statement adds to growing international scrutiny of the incident, as multiple governments and institutions continue to assess the legal and diplomatic implications surrounding the interception of the flotilla.

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