The Qatar Lawyers Association (QLA) affirmed its humanitarian and legal support for the Global Sumud Flotilla, describing it as a peaceful civil initiative aimed at delivering aid to civilians in the Gaza Strip. The association praised the efforts of all participating organizations and individuals.
In a statement, the association expressed deep concern over the threats and intimidation faced by the flotilla in its humanitarian mission to break the unlawful and unjust blockade imposed on Gaza and deliver urgent aid to its residents.
The association condemned the crimes committed against the Palestinian people in Gaza, including killing and starvation, and called on the international community, the UN Security Council, and international courts to take immediate and effective action to stop these crimes and prosecute the perpetrators before the International Criminal Court.
It also denounced all forms of threats or attacks targeting the civilian flotilla and its crew, stressing that any attempt to obstruct its humanitarian mission constitutes a blatant violation of international law, particularly the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Such actions infringe on the principle of freedom of navigation and hinder the delivery of essential needs to the besieged population of Gaza, in clear breach of international obligations to protect civilians during armed conflicts, especially the four Geneva Conventions.
The Qatar Lawyers Association emphasized that these violations undermine the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law and international human rights law, including the obligation to ensure safe passage for humanitarian and relief aid.
It called on the international community and relevant organizations to fulfill their legal and moral responsibilities and take urgent measures to halt these violations and ensure the timely delivery of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people.
