Albares warns Israel: Spain will react if it violates the flotilla's freedom of movement.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, the European Union, and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, has warned the Israeli government that he will react "to any act" that violates freedom of movement, expression, and international law by the Global Sumud Flotilla heading for Gaza.

In a statement, the government rejected Israel's "threats" and reaffirmed that Spain will offer "full diplomatic and consular protection" to the flotilla, which, the minister noted, is a "civil society initiative" with a "peaceful and humanitarian nature."

The Israeli Foreign Ministry has warned the Global Sumud Flotilla, which it accuses of serving the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), that it will not allow any vessel to enter "an active combat zone" or "violate a legal naval blockade."

"I do not accept Israel's threats and I will not accept any action contrary to international law," says Albares.

In a subsequent interview on Canal 24 horas, reported by Europa Press, Albares reiterated his warning. "I do not accept Israel's threats and, of course, I will not accept any action contrary to international law," he emphasized, assuring that he is closely monitoring the situation.

The minister argued that those traveling aboard the flotilla, including former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau, are "peaceful people who only want to carry out humanitarian action" and are protected by international law.

Although he asserted that he does not want to "fall into self-fulfilling prophecies or scare anyone" about what Israel might do, he made it very clear that the countries with citizens on board "will not fall for any provocation, but neither will we be intimidated by any possible action."

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In this context, the Ministry of José Manuel Albares led a statement, along with 16 other countries, expressing concern for the safety of the flotilla, whose objectives of "peace and the provision of humanitarian aid, along with respect for international law, including humanitarian law," are shared by their governments.

The statement, published on September 16, called for "refraining from any illegal or violent acts against the Flotilla, and for respect for international law and international humanitarian law."

In this statement, Spain, Turkey, Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Slovenia, Indonesia, Ireland, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, Mexico, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, South Africa, and Thailand recalled that "any violation of international law and the human rights of Flotilla participants, including attacks on vessels in international waters or unlawful detentions, will result in accountability."