The Embassy of the State of Palestine in
Slovakia is very happy about the return of Mr. Peter Švestka to his homeland,
Slovakia, and we wish him and all the participants in the steadfastness convoy
safety, especially those who are still being held by the Israeli occupation
authorities.
The State of Palestine has expressed its
position on this issue through the press release, and we would like to draw
everyone’s attention in Slovakia to the following:
The Israeli occupation authorities are
responsible for the obstruction, kidnapping, and detention of Mr. Peter Švestka and his companions.
By arresting Mr. Peter Švestka, Israel has violated international law and
international humanitarian law. It deserves no thanks for its actions; rather,
it should be condemned.
We reaffirm that the State of Palestine
condemns Israel’s attack and aggression against the Global Sumud Flotilla, in
violation of international law and norms, including the Convention on the Law
of the Sea, other humanitarian principles, and the human rights of the
participants on board.
We are gravely concerned about the
safety of the rest of the participants and hold Israel responsible for their
security and well-being as they deliver humanitarian aid to a besieged,
starved, and bombed population under genocide.
We recall that Mr. Peter Švestka and the
Global Sumud Flotilla were a peaceful and civilian-led initiative aimed at
breaking Israel’s inhumane and illegal blockade of the Gaza Strip and putting
an end to Israel’s starvation policy and genocide, in accordance with
international law.
The State of Palestine reiterates that
Israel, whose occupation of Palestine was declared illegal by the International
Court of Justice, has no authority nor sovereignty over Palestine’s territorial
waters, as they extend from the Gaza Strip, and over international waters.
The Global Sumud Flotilla has the right
of free passage in international waters, and Israel must not interfere with its
freedom of navigation, long recognized under international law. The State of
Palestine also reaffirms that the Global Sumud Flotilla is equally permitted to
navigate Palestine’s territorial waters to deliver humanitarian aid.
We commend the courageous participants
and their determination to break Israel’s siege and end its genocide and call
on the international community to extend them protection.
