The EU is concerned about the reports on the drone attack on the ship carrying humanitarian aid and activists heading for Gaza. Humanitarian aid is needed in Gaza to help people in desperate need. The EU has consistently called on the Israeli government to lift the blockade on Gaza to allow humanitarian aid at scale into and throughout the strip[1][2][3].

The EU discourages flotillas as a means for aid delivery. They risk the safety of their participants and carry the potential for escalation. However, nothing justifies attacking participants of flotillas with drones.

The EU has consistently reiterated that in exercising its right to defend itself, Israel must fully comply with its obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, and to ensure the protection of all civilians, including humanitarian workers and their facilities, at all times . Any investigation into the attack must happen in an impartial and fully transparent manner.

Last updated: 15 July 2025