US condemns Gaza-bound flotilla intercepted by 'Israel'
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- Washington criticises the flotilla mission and urges allies to block future sailings.
- The convoy was intercepted by 'Israel' before reaching the Gaza Strip.
The United States on Thursday condemned the "Global Steadfastness Flotilla" after it was intercepted by 'Israel' while en route to the Gaza Strip, calling on allied nations to prevent similar missions from departing their ports in the future.
Read more: 11 countries condemn ‘Israeli’ attack on Gaza-Bound Flotilla
The remarks were made by US State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott, who described the flotilla as a "pointless political maneuver" and urged coordinated action to stop such maritime initiatives before they set sail.
US urges allies to restrict port access
Pigott stressed that under international law, coastal states exercise full sovereignty over their internal waters, including ports, and argued that allies should use that authority to block vessels linked to the flotilla.
Read more: “Kidnapped”: Gaza flotilla organizers say 211 activists taken by ‘Israel’
"In line with international law, ports are considered internal waters over which coastal states exercise full territorial sovereignty," he said.
He added that Washington expects its partners to take "decisive action" by preventing such ships from entering, docking, departing, or refueling.
Flotilla interception raises tensions
The "Global Steadfastness Flotilla" had aimed to reach Gaza as part of an international effort to deliver aid and draw attention to the humanitarian situation in the enclave.
'Israel' intercepted the convoy before it reached its destination, an action that has drawn renewed international scrutiny over maritime restrictions and access to Gaza.
