1. United States
2. Fla.
3. Letter

The seizure of the humanitarian aid ship Handala by Israeli forces in international waters is an unacceptable violation of maritime law and the rights of civilians attempting to provide desperately needed relief to Gaza. This unjustifiable act of aggression against a peaceful mission must be condemned in the strongest terms. Israel's longstanding blockade of Gaza has created a humanitarian catastrophe, exacerbating poverty, malnutrition, and lack of access to basic services. The international community can no longer turn a blind eye to such blatant collective punishment of a civilian population. This latest outrage underscores the urgent need to apply meaningful pressure on Israel through sanctions and the suspension of military aid until it respects international law, lifts the illegal siege on Gaza, and allows unrestricted humanitarian access. Those detained on the Handala must be immediately and unconditionally released. Their continued detainment constitutes an unconscionable act of state piracy against human rights activists. The world is watching and history will judge harshly those who enable Israel's unjust policies through inaction or complicity.