Statements from the International Community Regarding the Flotilla

Statement by Mark Toner, Acting U.S. State Department Spokesman
June 1, 2011

We have made clear through the past year that groups and individuals who seek to break Israel’s maritime blockade of Gaza are taking irresponsible and provocative actions that entail a risk to their safety. I think I’ve talked about this specifically. We’ve raised our concerns with the Turkish Government as well, and we’ve also met and said publicly as well as privately, meeting with some of these NGOs, that – about our concerns, about the risk for attempting to break this blockade. We want to just reiterate that there are established and efficient mechanisms for getting humanitarian assistance through to Gaza, and that’s been our message consistently.

Excerpts: Statement by the Spokesperson for U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
May 27, 2011

The U.N. Secretary-General has sent a letter to Governments of countries around the Mediterranean Sea. In these letters, the Secretary-General indicated that he was following with concern media reports of potential flotillas to Gaza. He expressed his belief that assistance and goods destined to Gaza should be channeled through legitimate crossings and established channels.

The Secretary-General called on all Governments concerned to use their influence to discourage such flotillas, which carry the potential to escalate into violent conflict.

Briefing to the U.N. Security Council by Robert Serry, U.N. Special Coordinator of the Middle East Peace Process
May 19, 2011

The Secretary-General is also following with concern media reports of potential new flotillas to Gaza that can provoke unnecessary confrontations. The Secretary-General calls on all Governments concerned to use their influence to discourage such flotillas, which carry the potential for escalation. He further calls on all to act responsibly to avoid any violent incident.

Remarks by Catherine Ashton, E.U. High Commissioner for Foreign Policy
May 11, 2011

I don’t consider a flotilla to be the right response.

Statement by Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird
May 28, 2011

I strongly urge those wishing to deliver humanitarian goods to the Gaza Strip to do so through established channels. Unauthorized efforts to deliver aid are provocative and, ultimately, unhelpful to the people of Gaza.

Canada recognizes Israel’s legitimate security concerns and its right to protect itself and its residents from attacks by Hamas and other terrorist groups, including by preventing the smuggling of weapons.

Canada recognizes that there are legitimate and constructive ways to help the people of Gaza. One way is to donate to the International Committee of the Red Cross/Red Crescent. The organization has people on the ground in Gaza to help deliver, among other things, clean water and health care.

I would note that Canada continues to call for the immediate return of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, held by Hamas for almost five years, to his family in Israel.”

In addition, many countries have issued official warnings regarding participation in the Flotilla.

France:

En outre, il est formellement déconseillé de prendre place à bord de navires ayant pour intention de briser le blocus maritime imposé sur la Bande de Gaza, eu égard aux risques sécuritaires liés à une telle entreprise.

In addition, the boarding of any naval vessels which are known to have the intention of breaking the naval blockade imposed on Gaza is strongly discouraged, given the security risks associated with such an undertaking.

Britain:

We advise against any attempt to enter Gaza by sea, breaching the restrictions imposed by the Israeli navy. The Israeli Navy routinely patrols territorial waters and a contiguous zone. We are aware that a flotilla is planning to sail to Gaza in June. We advise against participating in flotillas or overland convoys to Gaza because of the risks involved. Our ability to provide consular assistance in Gaza is also extremely limited. We advise anyone wishing to send humanitarian assistance or other goods to Gaza to do so only through official crossings and established channels.

Ireland:

We advise against any attempt to enter Gaza by sea, or sailing in the waters off the coast of Gaza.

Spain:

Se desaconseja encarecidamente embarcar en cualquier buque de la Iniciativa rumbo a Gaza por el grave peligro que puede entrañar para los participantes en dicha flotilla.

The boarding of any vessel bound for Gaza is strongly discouraged, due to the serious danger which may confront the participants.