Incident Overview

aparício and Miguel Duarte, Portuguese citizens participating in the Global⁣ Sumud Flotilla,‍ were intercepted ⁣and detained ‍by the Israeli ⁣Navy on ⁤Wednesday, October 1, 2024, as the flotilla attempted to reach Gaza.‍ The Israeli Navy began intercepting vessels from the flotilla‍ on this date.

According to Fabian Figueiredo of the Left Block party, “All Portuguese⁤ who participate in the humanitarian mission were intercepted and detained by ‍the Israeli ⁤authorities.” Figueiredo characterized the detentions as “deeply illegal,”⁤ emphasizing the flotilla’s purpose: to deliver essential aid – food and medicine ‍- to Gaza.

Political Reactions and Calls for ⁤Action

Figueiredo called on all states adhering to international law to demand the⁢ immediate release of the flotilla members and⁣ to impose sanctions on those responsible for what he termed “genocide in Gaza.”

Joana Mortágua, ⁤sister of BE Coordinator Mariana Mortágua,⁢ stated that ‍the Portuguese detainees are currently “incommunicable.”⁣ She ⁢criticized the ⁢Portuguese government for not having already⁣ implemented sanctions against israel.⁢ According to Mortágua, Israeli authorities ⁣confiscated mobile phones from the detainees.

Government Response

Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has assured that “all consular support” will be‍ provided to‍ the detained ⁣Portuguese citizens. A statement released on ⁢the President’s ⁣website ⁢ confirms that ⁣the government, through the Portuguese Embassy in ⁢Tel⁢ Aviv, will ensure consular assistance, including support for their⁣ return to ⁤Portugal.

Background: Global Sumud Flotilla

The Global Sumud Flotilla is a humanitarian mission ⁤aiming to deliver aid to Gaza. The interception of the⁤ flotilla occurs amidst ongoing conflict and a severe humanitarian crisis in the‍ region.