We are supportive of and excited about the Global Sumud Flotilla that is helping to provide humanitarian support to stranded Palestinians. We salute the efforts of our counterpart organisation, HAK-İŞ Confederation, and its commitment to the Flotilla. However, we are concerned about the disturbing reports of the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla by Israeli forces in international waters.

ITUC-Africa is deeply concerned by reports indicating the President of HAK-İŞ, Mr. Mahmut Arslan, his Deputy Secretary General, Ms. Fatma Zengin, as well as other humanitarian volunteers participating in this peaceful solidarity mission, were arrested during this operation.

The interception of humanitarian vessels and detention of civilians engaged in humanitarian action raise serious concerns regarding international law, human rights, and the protection of humanitarian actors. Humanitarian solidarity must never be criminalised.

ITUC-Africa reiterates its longstanding support for the legitimate rights and aspirations of the Palestinian people, including their right to dignity, freedom, self-determination, and statehood. We believe lasting peace cannot be achieved through occupation, blockade, violence, forced displacement, or collective punishment.

As African trade unions whose liberation struggles were built on international solidarity against colonialism and apartheid, we call for urgent international action to end the humanitarian catastrophe facing Palestinians and to address the continued suffering and dispossession associated with the Nakba and its enduring consequences.

ITUC-Africa therefore calls for the immediate release of all detained flotilla participants, full protection of humanitarian volunteers, an immediate ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian access, and renewed diplomatic efforts towards a just and lasting peace based on a viable two-state solution, with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace, security, dignity, and internationally recognised borders.

We join the international trade union movement and all peace-loving people in demanding justice, accountability, and the protection of innocent civilian lives.

Issued in Lome, Togo on 20th May 2026.

Akhator Joel Odigie
General Secretary
ITUC-Africa