Peace & Justice Center of Sonoma County Statement on the Interception of the Gaza Freedom Flotilla

Approved by the Board of the Peace & Justice Center of Sonoma County on May 26, 2026

The Peace & Justice Center of Sonoma County condemns the reported attacks by Israeli forces on vessels participating in the Gaza Freedom Flotilla in international waters and calls for full accountability regarding the interception, detention of civilian volunteers, and treatment of those involved.

According to reports from flotilla organizers, journalists, and international observers, unarmed civilian vessels carrying humanitarian aid and international volunteers attempting to challenge the blockade of Gaza were intercepted and forcibly boarded over the course of several days. Reports and video footage indicate that military force, including water cannons, ramming maneuvers, and armed boarding operations, was used against civilian participants.

Many flotilla participants have reportedly since been released and deported. Numerous released activists have publicly described mistreatment and brutal and degrading conditions during detention, including allegations of physical abuse, prolonged restraints, humiliation, sexual abuse, and other serious human rights violations. Israeli authorities have denied many of these allegations. We believe these claims warrant an independent international investigation.

Videos showing detainees restrained and forced to kneel generated widespread international concern and condemnation from human rights advocates and officials in multiple countries. Civilians engaged in nonviolent humanitarian action must be protected under international humanitarian and maritime law.

The flotilla took place amid continuing catastrophic humanitarian conditions in Gaza. For many months, United Nations agencies and international relief organizations have warned of mass civilian suffering caused by war, displacement, destruction of infrastructure, and severe restrictions on food, water, medicine, fuel, and humanitarian aid.

The Peace & Justice Center affirms the right of people around the world to engage in peaceful humanitarian action and to oppose war crimes, collective punishment, and violations of international law through nonviolent means.

We Call For:

An independent international investigation into the interception of the flotilla and treatment of detainees
Protection of humanitarian missions and civilian maritime activity under international law
Immediate and sustained humanitarian access to Gaza
An end to policies contributing to mass civilian suffering
An immediate permanent ceasefire
The release of all hostages and unlawfully detained civilians
A just and lasting peace grounded in human rights, equality, accountability, and international law for all people

We encourage members of our community to remain informed, speak out against violence toward civilians, support humanitarian relief efforts, and continue advocating for peace and justice through nonviolent action.

Peace & Justice Center of Sonoma County
Santa Rosa, California