Mexico’s Foreign Ministry on Friday announced intensified efforts to safeguard the rights and security of Mexican citizens participating in the humanitarian flotilla delivering aid to Gaza Strip, following directives from President Claudia Sheinbaum.
The ministry stated that the affected nationals are members of the Global Sumud Flotilla and noted that authorities have remained in direct communication with their families while working alongside Mexican embassies and consulates in the region to monitor developments and provide consular assistance.
Mexico also renewed its call on Israel to guarantee the physical and psychological safety of its citizens, allow access to consular services when necessary and adhere to international law, including humanitarian and human rights obligations.
According to the ministry, one Mexican citizen who had been aboard a vessel intercepted at sea returned to Mexico City on May 2 after diplomatic interventions, while the six remaining participants have maintained contact with Mexican authorities and are reportedly in stable condition.
The ministry further disclosed that several meetings had been held with relatives of those involved to brief them on consular actions and respond to their concerns, while reaffirming Mexico’s commitment to protecting its citizens overseas and supporting peaceful conflict resolution.
The Spring 2026 mission of the Global Sumud Flotilla, organised to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid, was intercepted by Israeli forces late on April 29 near the coast of Crete.
According to reports, Israeli forces intervened in international waters and targeted vessels carrying activists about 600 nautical miles from Gaza and close to Greek territorial waters.
A total of 177 activists were reportedly detained during the operation and allegedly subjected to ill-treatment.
Reports also stated that Brazilian national Thiago Avila and Spanish-Swedish national Saif Abu Keshek, who remain in Israeli custody after being taken to Israel, faced severe physical abuse and death threats during interrogation.
Israel has maintained a blockade on the Gaza Strip since 2007, leaving the territory’s estimated 2.4 million residents facing worsening humanitarian conditions.
The Israeli military launched a major offensive on Gaza in October 2023, with reports indicating that more than 72,000 people have been killed, over 172,000 injured and large-scale destruction recorded across the enclave.
