Poles are aboard Gaza-bound flotilla, MFA spokesman says
Poland's foreign ministry spokesman has confirmed media reports that Polish citizens are among those aboard the international Sumud flotilla carrying aid to the Gaza Strip.
"Poland's consular services remain in contact with consular services of other EU countries whose citizens have also been taking part in the Gaza-bound flotilla's mission," Maciej Wewior told reporters on Monday afternoon.
Earlier in the day, Wewior said that Poles might be among those aboard the international Sumud flotilla carrying aid to the Gaza Strip.
"As always, the consular service remains ready to offer assistance to Polish citizens," Wewior said.
Rafal Piotrowski, a spokesperson for Global Sumud Poland, reported on Monday that Israeli ships had begun intercepting GSF boats in international waters near Cyprus. According to the activists, there are three Polish citizens aboard the flotilla.
Later on Monday, Piotrowski said that one of the Poles, Lukasz Kozak, an activist of the Socialist Action, had been "kidnapped" at 12:24 pm [Polish time] around 130 kilometres from the shores of Cyprus and around 460 kilometres from the Gaza Strip.
Piotrowski added that two other Polish citizens, Agata Wislocka and Kareem Awad, were still aboard Sumud flotilla vessels.
The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), a nonviolent, coordinated fleet of boats, is an international civilian initiative involving activists from over 40 countries. Its organisers declare its goal is to break through Israel's naval blockade of the conflict-devastated Gaza Strip and deliver aid to the Palestinians.
A previous flotilla involving nearly 500 participants from 40 countries, including Poland, was stopped by Israel in October 2025. Participants were detained and later deported.
The Gaza Strip has been ravaged by a humanitarian crisis resulting from Israel's war on Hamas that has lasted for nearly two years. Humanitarian organisations warn that the situation is deteriorating and the amount of aid that Israel lets through is insufficient. Israel has been rejecting accusations that its actions are causing starvation among the Palestinian population.
On Monday morning, Israel's Foreign Ministry called on activists to "change course and turn back immediately." It wrote on X that it would not allow "any breach in the lawful naval blockade of Gaza." (PAP)
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