Background on the Mexican Citizens Involved
Six Mexican citizens participated in the Global Sumud flotilla, an international humanitarian mission aiming to deliver aid to Gaza. The participants include Sol González Eguía, Arlín Gabriela Medrano Guzmán, Carlos Pérez Osorio, Diego Vázquez Galindo, Ernesto Ledesma, and Laura Alejandra Vélez Ruiz Gaitán. These individuals are part of a larger group of activists from over 45 countries, many from Latin America.
Mexican Government’s Response
The Mexican Secretariat of Foreign Affairs (SRE) confirmed that the six Mexican citizens have arrived at the port of Ashdod and will be transferred to the Ketziot detention center. The SRE also mentioned that one Mexican citizen, who was traveling on the legal support vessel of the flotilla, is heading to Cyprus.
Mexican diplomats visited the Ashdod port to verify conditions on-site, request consular access, and ensure the safety of Mexican nationals. The SRE has maintained constant communication with all Mexican citizens since the flotilla’s departure and has stayed in contact with their families.
The SRE reiterated that humanitarian assistance does not constitute any criminal activity and is, in fact, a responsibility for all parties involved in armed conflicts. It also emphasized that providing aid is an expression of international solidarity.
President Claudia Sheinbaum’s Demands
Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum demanded the immediate repatriation of the six detained Mexican citizens following the interception of the Global Sumud flotilla by Israel.
“We know they are currently at the Ashdod port. Although consular support has not yet been able to reach them, Israeli authorities claim they will be taken to a detention center. Our consulate is there to support them, and we demand their immediate repatriation,” Sheinbaum stated from the National Palace.
Flotilla Details and Interception
The Global Sumud flotilla, which means “resilience” in Arabic, set sail from Barcelona early September with approximately 45 vessels and hundreds of pro-Palestinian activists from more than 45 countries, including several Latin American nations.
The Israeli navy began intercepting these boats on Wednesday after warning them not to enter waters under Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who are the Mexican citizens involved? The six Mexican citizens are Sol González Eguía, Arlín Gabriela Medrano Guzmán, Carlos Pérez Osorio, Diego Vázquez Galindo, Ernesto Ledesma, and Laura Alejandra Vélez Ruiz Gaitán.
- What is the purpose of the Global Sumud flotilla? The mission aims to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, with participants from over 45 countries, including several Latin American nations.
- What actions has the Mexican government taken? The SRE confirmed the arrival of Mexican citizens at Ashdod and their transfer to Ketziot detention center. Mexican diplomats have been in contact with the detainees and their families, demanding their immediate repatriation.
- Why is the Mexican government emphasizing humanitarian aid? The SRE stresses that providing humanitarian assistance is not a criminal act but rather an obligation for all parties in armed conflicts and an expression of international solidarity.
