Sixteen countries have issued a joint statement, warning against violence directed at Global Sumud Flotilla, following recent reports of drone strikes targeting the civil society initiative.

The Foreign Affairs Ministers of Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Ireland, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, Mexico, Pakistan, Qatar, Oman, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain and Türkiye all expressed security concerns, following last week’s drone attack, the second on a flotilla vessel.

The attacks, in Tunisian airspace, came as Israel escalates its aggression in Palestine, with latest reports of a ground invasion by the Israeli army, that has resulted in casualties.

A United Nations Commission of Inquiry has concluded that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, incited by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The flotilla is delivering urgent humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, and attempting to raise awareness of the need to stop the war.

“Both objectives, peace and humanitarian aid delivery, together with the respect of international law, including humanitarian law, are shared by our governments. We therefore call on everyone to refrain from any unlawful or violent act against the Flotilla, to respect international law and international humanitarian law,” the joint statement from the 16 countries read.

It promised accountability for any attacks against the flotilla, any violation of international law and human rights, and for any illegal detentions.