Francesca Albanese strongly condemned Israel’s interception of Gaza solidarity flotillas in international waters, saying the international community has allowed escalating violations against civilians without accountability.

Her remarks came after multiple aid boats attempting to reach Gaza were surrounded and seized by Israeli forces near the Mediterranean, with activists reporting detentions and assaults onboard. Organizers of the Global Sumud Flotilla described the operation as a violation of international maritime law and accused Israel of “kidnapping peaceful civilians.”

Albanese said Israel had effectively been granted a “green light” to threaten civilians, abduct them, and even open fire in international waters, warning that the continued lack of international action risks normalizing attacks on humanitarian missions and solidarity activists.

The incident sparked international criticism from several governments and human rights groups, while activists demanded the immediate release of those detained and safe passage for humanitarian aid to Gaza.