des experts de l’ONU exigent un passage sûr pour la Flottille de la Liberté
Experts Urge Safe Passage for Freedom Flotilla to Gaza
In a significant call to action, UN experts have emphasized the crucial need for a secure route for the Freedom Flotilla, which departed from Italy en route to Gaza. This initiative aims to challenge the blockade imposed by the Israeli authorities on the Palestinian enclave while simultaneously highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
The experts, including Michael Fakhri, Francesca Albanese, and Mary Lawlor, articulated that the people of Gaza are in dire need of assistance to prevent further devastation. They underscored that the flotilla represents a powerful and symbolic gesture to deliver much-needed aid. Importantly, they asserted that Israel must not obstruct the fl船la’s navigation, which is evidently supported by longstanding international law.
As the world watches closely, the experts urged Israeli authorities to refrain from any hostile actions against the Freedom Flotilla and its passengers. The statement highlighted that Gazans possess the right to receive humanitarian aid through their territorial waters, even amid occupation. They reaffirmed that Israel is obligated to follow international law and comply with the rulings of the International Court of Justice to ensure unhindered access to humanitarian support.
The Freedom Flotilla, formed in 2010, comprises various international civil society organizations. Its primary goal has been to circumvent the Israeli blockade by sending ships to Gaza laden with humanitarian supplies and to evacuate wounded individuals. Besides direct aid, the coalition aims to amplify its political advocacy for lifting the blockade and ending the occupation.
In a recent incident, a flotilla ship was reportedly targeted by a drone attack in international waters near Malta. Activists claim that Israel was responsible for this assault, labeling it a clear violation of international law.
The UN experts also condemned the so-called "Humanitarian Foundation for Gaza," which is allegedly supported by Israeli authorities. They argue that this foundation weaponizes aid to displace, humiliate, and confine civilians. The experts asserted that such actions contravene fundamental international legal principles, including dignity, humanity, impartiality, independence, and neutrality.
Concerns were raised about the alarming rise in acute childhood malnutrition, which has surged by over 80% as of March 2025. The experts pointed out that the accumulation of aid trucks at the Rafah crossing, while civilians face starvation, is not merely a coordination issue. It indicates a deliberate manipulation of humanitarian assistance, with the international community appearing complicit in this situation.
The experts underscored that UN member states are legally bound and morally compelled to address the famine and genocide occurring in Gaza. They called on the United Nations General Assembly to authorize the deployment of peacekeepers to accompany humanitarian aid trucks, invoking the “Uniting for Peace” provision of the UN Charter.
In summary, as the Freedom Flotilla makes its journey toward Gaza, significant international attention is focused on the unfolding humanitarian crisis and the urgent need for uninhibited access to aid for the besieged population. The UN experts’ statements reflect a growing demand for accountability and adherence to international laws, urging immediate action to prevent further deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
