Statement by Catalonia's public universities on the assault on the Global Sumud Flotilla
The Catalan Association of Public Universities (ACUP) condemns the boarding operation carried out by the Israeli army in the early hours of 2 October on the boats of the Global Flotilla Sumud in international waters. This attack constitutes a serious violation of international humanitarian law and freedom of navigation, and endangers the lives and safety of the members of the mission.
The public universities of Catalonia demand the immediate release of all crew members and the restoration of the right to free movement of the vessels. We also urge the Spanish Government and the European institutions to intervene responsibly and firmly to defend the fundamental rights of those detained and to guarantee respect for international law.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, a peaceful humanitarian mission of solidarity, which set sail from the port of Barcelona in September with the support of numerous organisations and institutions, aimed to break the blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip and deliver more than 300 tonnes of urgent humanitarian aid to a civilian population living in a situation of extreme vulnerability. Obstructing this peaceful action of solidarity means criminalising humanitarian aid and aggravating the suffering of people subjected to an unsustainable siege and condemned by the international community.
The public universities of Catalonia reiterate our commitment to human rights, peace, democracy and social responsibility. We call once again on the international community to act with determination in response to this unjustifiable attack and to work to end both the blockade and the systematic violations of rights against the Palestinian people.
The UAB, with Sustainable Development Goals
Peace, justice and strong institutions