ISTANBUL
Belgium summoned Israel's ambassador on Thursday to demand an explanation for Israeli forces attacking and seizing vessels from the Gaza aid flotilla Global Sumud, which included seven Belgian citizens, according to Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot.
“We are in contact with the representatives of the flotilla, already for several days. All the boats have been boarded by Israeli forces,” Prevot said on the US social media company X.
He confirmed that seven Belgian nationals, along with a Luxembourg citizen, were on board.
“Our diplomatic network was prepared and mobilized from the very first moments to provide consular assistance to our compatriots and the Luxembourg national as quickly and effectively as possible. Their security and health, and the possibility of a rapid return, are our priorities,” he said.
The Belgians are being transported to the Israeli port of Ashdod before being placed in a detention center, where they will receive consular assistance “as soon as possible,” Prevot added.
He said he had summoned Israel’s ambassador, who had been previously warned that “it would in no case be acceptable for our citizens to be assimilated to terrorists,” to demand explanations over Israel’s action.
He noted that the intervention, “apparently in international waters,” is subject to “serious contestation.”
Prevot also urged caution for participants of the Thousand Madleens flotilla, which is still sailing toward Gaza.
“It is unfortunately unlikely that taking such risks will unlock the unacceptable humanitarian blockade imposed on Gaza,” he said.
“Diplomatic avenues, including sanctions against Israel such as those just adopted by our government, must allow for a more effective evolution of humanitarian access.”