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More than 100 prominent European entertainers and activists are pressuring France and Belgium to provide diplomatic protection for their citizens aboard a massive flotilla attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
The joint statement, published Saturday in French daily Nouvel Obs, features 130 signatories including Franco-Algerian DJ Snake, Belgian singer Angele, and French content creator Lena Mahfouf. The group is demanding government action as the Global Sumud Flotilla continues its mission to break Israel's blockade of the Palestinian territory.
"We demand protection for the flotilla and call on the governments of Emmanuel Macron and Bart De Wever to provide diplomatic and consular protection for the boats carrying French and Belgian nationals," the public figures stated.
According to the signatories, 16 countries including Spain and Ireland have already granted diplomatic protection to their nationals participating in the mission, while France and Belgium "remain completely silent." The statement argues that international law requires states to protect civilians in conflict zones and ensure humanitarian aid delivery.
The flotilla, comprising approximately 50 vessels, departed earlier this month carrying medical supplies and other humanitarian aid destined for Gaza's 2.3 million residents. The initiative represents one of the largest coordinated efforts to challenge Israel's maritime blockade of the territory.
Gaza has faced severe restrictions since Israel closed all crossings on March 2, blocking food and aid convoys in what critics describe as worsening famine conditions. Only limited supplies are occasionally permitted entry, with many shipments reportedly seized by armed groups that Gaza authorities claim operate under Israeli protection.
The signatories emphasized the legal and non-violent nature of the flotilla's mission, stating: "The action of the Global Sumud Flotilla and Thousand Madleen to Gaza is legal and non-violent and must not be subject to any attack or obstruction. Their safety must be guaranteed until they arrive at their destination, with international coordination among the countries represented."
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Israel has historically intercepted ships bound for Gaza, seizing vessels and deporting activists in actions that critics characterize as piracy. As the occupying power, Israel maintains strict control over Gaza's borders and territorial waters.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has deteriorated dramatically since October 2023, with the Israeli military campaign resulting in nearly 66,000 Palestinian deaths, predominantly women and children, according to local health authorities. The sustained bombardment has rendered large areas uninhabitable and contributed to widespread starvation and disease outbreaks.
The public appeal reflects growing international pressure for unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza as aid organizations warn of an unfolding catastrophe in the densely populated coastal enclave.
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