25/09/2025 Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development
The rapporteur of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) on “The absolute and urgent need to end the humanitarian crisis for women, children and the hostages in Gaza", Saskia Kluit (Netherlands, SOC), made the following statement today:
"I am appalled by last night’s coordinated attacks on the Global Sumud Flotilla - an unarmed humanitarian mission carrying more than 500 civilian volunteers - in international waters off Crete. These attacks are blatant violation of humanitarian and international law, and I urge national governments to provide immediate maritime protection to ensure the flotilla’s safe passage.
I call on Council of Europe member States to condemn these attacks, to support the courageous volunteers who are doing everything in their power to help those suffering amid acts pointing at ethnic cleansing and genocide, and to stand firmly for the protection of humanitarian missions and the upholding of international law.
We must continue to support humanitarian organisations working tirelessly to alleviate the suffering of the people and hostages in Gaza, especially women and children who bear the heaviest burden of this crisis."