The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), representing over 16.5 million transport workers across 150 countries, stands in unwavering solidarity with the Global Sumud Flotilla and all those sailing with the sole, humanitarian objective of delivering lifesaving aid to Gaza.
Like so many other international initiatives, the Global Sumud Flotilla is a lawful, peaceful act of civil society mobilisation opposing state-imposed collective punishment of more than two million Palestinians – a clear and recognised violation of international law.
Paddy Crumlin, ITF President, said: “The Global Sumud Flotilla comes at an extraordinarily important moment for the international community to support the beleaguered and oppressed people of Palestine.
“The flotilla embodies courage and determination to support and help ease the horrific, ongoing consequences of military action. Among those on board are members of the ITF – including my own union, the Maritime Union of Australia – taking action where governments have failed to meet their human rights responsibilities.
“We recognise the vital importance of this action, and many others like it, in advancing the cause of lasting peace. International crimes must end, international law and human rights must be upheld, and the Palestinian people must see justice and peace, including the recognition of their own State. We send all of those determined to realise that outcome, our full strength, support and solidarity.”
Civil society convoys such as the Madleen and Handala have already been forcibly intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters, unlawful acts that contravened international law. UN Special Rapporteurs have been clear: the people of Gaza have the right to receive aid through their territorial waters, and Israel must not interfere with the freedom of navigation guaranteed under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
International Humanitarian Law, including the Geneva Conventions, requires the free passage of humanitarian aid and prohibits interference with relief operations. UN Security Council resolutions on Gaza since 2023 have reiterated the need for unimpeded humanitarian access. Under the Genocide Convention, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has issued binding provisional measures requiring Israel to prevent acts of genocide, punish direct and public incitement to genocide and ensure humanitarian assistance. The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) is clear that starvation of civilians and wilfully impeding aid delivery are prosecutable as war crimes.
Stephen Cotton, ITF General Secretary, said: “Any attempt to block, attack, or criminalise the Global Sumud Flotilla is illegal, immoral and indefensible. The ITF stands with those risking their lives, freedom and safety to deliver aid to civilians facing starvation. International law is clear: the people of Gaza must have unimpeded access to humanitarian relief. Governments, institutions, and industry must step up now to ensure that aid is delivered and lives are saved.”
The ITF strongly condemns the recent drone attacks on the Global Sumud Flotilla – including the overnight strikes reported in international media and earlier attacks near Tunisia – which put the lives of crew and volunteers at risk and threaten the safe delivery of humanitarian aid. These attacks are a direct assault on international law, freedom of navigation and maritime safety.
We call on Israel to respect international law by allowing the Global Sumud Flotilla safe passage and by ending the criminalisation of crew, volunteers and humanitarian activists. We affirm Palestinian self-determination and reject the criminalisation of solidarity. Our movement stands with Palestinian workers and civil society members asserting their right to life, dignity and freedom of movement.
Our calls for the Global Sumud Flotilla:
- Respect for international law – UNCLOS, Geneva Conventions, UN Security Council resolutions, and the binding orders of the International Court of Justice.
- Unimpeded humanitarian access – the free and safe delivery of vital aid to Gaza’s besieged population.
We also reiterate our earlier calls for peace, justice and accountability:
- An immediate and permanent ceasefire.
- The unconditional release of all hostages and prisoners held without due judicial process.
- An end to the illegal occupation of Palestinian and Arab territories, occupied since 1967.
- Implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338 and a two-state solution based on justice and peace.
- Full accountability for all international crimes, including through the International Criminal Court.
- An end to the impunity of companies profiting from the occupation and war.
- An immediate opening of all borders to enable convoys of food and humanitarian aid to all parts of Gaza.
- Call for all states to implement the ICJ decisions without any delays.
