BIC Statement on Gaza Flotilla Interception: Protect Activists, Journalists, and Human Rights Defenders

Statement by the Brussels International Center for Research
October 3, 2025

The Brussels International Center expresses its deep concern over the recent incidents involving the interception of civilian vessels carrying approximately 500 international activists from 45 countries, including MEPs, journalists and activists who were heading towards Gaza in an attempt to break the inhumane blockade imposed and perpetuated by the Israeli forces.

The lack of clarity regarding the fate of these individuals is alarming and raises critical and urgent questions about their safety and wellbeing. BIC calls on the European Union (EU) and the international community to uphold their responsibility to ensure the protection of every single member of the Flotilla in accordance with international law and Geneva conventions.

The interception of civilian aid ships in international waters represents a grave breach of international norms and raises serious questions about the legality of obstructing humanitarian assistance and the impunity one country can unhinderedly sustain. The arbitrary detention of journalists and human rights defenders as well as members of the European Parliament further erodes freedom of the press and violates international human rights obligations.

Our urgent demands:

1. We call on Israel to Immediately and unconditionally release all journalists, human rights defenders, MEPs and activists detained in connection with the flotilla.
2. Respect for press freedom in line with international human rights law, guaranteeing the right of journalists to report without fear of arrest or intimidation.
3. Unhindered humanitarian access to Gaza, in accordance with international humanitarian law and recent rulings of the International Court of Justice calling for the facilitation of aid delivery.
4. The Establishment of International Independent investigation into the conduct of Israeli forces in intercepting aid ships in international waters, with accountability for violations of international law.
5. We call on the EU to Actively engage to pressure Israel to ensure the protection of journalists, human rights defenders, MEPs and humanitarian workers, and to demand compliance with international obligations.

BIC emphasizes that the responsibility of the EU and member states goes beyond condemnation. Concrete measures are urgently needed to ensure accountability and to protect the lives of many Europeans and international activists at stake.

The targeting of MEPs, journalists, and human rights defenders, coupled with the obstruction of humanitarian aid, is gravely unacceptable and incompatible with international law. Stemming from the belief that our actions define who we are, we call on the EU to uphold its responsibility towards its citizens and international humanitarian activists as well as defending European values. We must act now.