1. United States
2. N.J.
3. Letter

I urge you to condemn Israel’s interception and military assault on the civilian humanitarian flotilla in international waters beginning on May 18, 2026. The use of armed force against civilian vessels carrying humanitarian aid and international human rights advocates constitutes a grave violation of international law and demands immediate international investigation and accountability. The attack remains ongoing, communications with multiple vessels have been disrupted, and numerous participants — including U.S. citizens — remain unaccounted for. According to reports from organizers and participants, Israeli naval forces boarded multiple vessels belonging to the Global Sumud Flotilla, Freedom Flotilla Coalition, and Mavi Marmara Freedom and Solidarity Association while the flotilla was operating in international waters en route to deliver humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza. Activists, journalists, medical workers, and civilians aboard the ships were detained, and aid cargo was seized. This attack is part of a broader and ongoing pattern of Israeli violations of international humanitarian law, including the collective punishment and forced starvation of civilians in Gaza through blockade and obstruction of humanitarian relief. Humanitarian missions delivering food, medicine, and essential supplies to civilians must never be treated as military targets. We must insist that all governments, international institutions, and the United Nations: • Demand the immediate release of all detained flotilla participants; • Ensure the safe return of all vessels and humanitarian cargo; • Conduct an independent international investigation into Israel’s actions in international waters; • End all military, diplomatic, and financial support enabling violations of international law; and • Guarantee unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza and an immediate, permanent ceasefire. We must uphold our obligations under international law and human rights conventions by ending complicity in attacks on civilians and humanitarian missions. Silence in the face of these actions only deepens impunity. The international community must act urgently to protect civilian life, defend humanitarian principles, and ensure accountability for violations of international law.