Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis has defended the country’s handling of the Global Sumud Flotilla incident, telling Parliament that Greece acted “as it was obliged to act” under international law and in accordance with its humanitarian responsibilities.
Responding to a parliamentary question, the minister said Greece had no prior knowledge of an Israeli operation involving vessels in international waters and stressed that the situation unfolded outside Greek jurisdiction.
Humanitarian Evacuation of Foreign Nationals
According to the minister, Greek authorities became involved after the incident when dozens of foreign nationals found themselves aboard vessels in international waters near Crete, a Greek island in the Mediterranean.
Greek coast guard forces were deployed to assist in what was described as a humanitarian evacuation. A total of 176 individuals from 34 countries were transferred to safety. Some required medical attention and were taken to hospital, while others were assisted in continuing their travel to their home countries.
The minister noted that foreign governments later expressed gratitude to Greece for its role in ensuring the safe transfer of their citizens.
Legal Basis and International Waters
Gerapetritis emphasized that the operation took place in international waters, where, under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, state intervention is strictly limited.
He argued that Greece acted within the framework of international maritime law and that no further intervention was legally possible beyond facilitating the safe disembarkation of those involved.
Ongoing Developments
The Foreign Minister also referred to ongoing developments involving members of the flotilla, noting that some individuals were later taken to Israel and placed under temporary detention. He said the matter would continue to be addressed through diplomatic and international channels, including upcoming discussions within the European Union.
He added that Greece remains willing to provide humanitarian assistance in future operations if requested by international organizations, reaffirming what he described as the country’s international obligations.
Broader Humanitarian Position
Gerapetritis concluded by highlighting Greece’s broader humanitarian engagement in the region, stating that the country has supported aid initiatives and assisted vulnerable populations in various contexts. He reiterated that Greece’s approach is based on legal responsibility, humanitarian principles, and international cooperation.
