Rep. Watson Coleman Releases Statement on Global Samud Flotilla

October 03, 2025 Rep. Watson Coleman Releases Statement on Global Samud Flotilla Today, Congresswoman Watson Coleman (NJ-12) released the following statement after the Israeli Navy intercepted and confiscated civilian boats that were part of the Global Samud Flotilla in international waters off the coast of Egypt. The flotilla, which had left ports in Spain, Tunisia, Italy, and Greece, consisted of over 40 civilian vessels crewed by approximately 440 volunteers from 47 countries, including at least 20 from the United States, and was transporting food and other humanitarian aid to Gaza despite the Israeli blockade: “Israel’s confiscation and seizure of the humanitarian flotilla and its crew shows the world that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu can’t be trusted to engage in good-faith efforts toward peace. Intercepting humanitarian vessels in international waters is a war crime. Denying those on board legal counsel is a crime. “The State Department must call for the immediate release of the Americans and all civilian volunteers in the flotilla. “Additionally, Israel should immediately end its illegal blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza and bring an end to the manmade famine and humanitarian crisis that has killed thousands and decimated the civilian population of Gaza.” Print Email Share Tweet