Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk condemned Israel’s seizure of the Global Sumud flotilla, including parliamentarian Franciszek Sterczewski, urging Polish citizens to heed warnings not to travel to dangerous areas and pledging consular support.
Tusk Addresses Flotilla Arrest
On Thursday, Oct. 2, Donald Tusk was asked by reporters about Israel’s seizure of the Global Sumud flotilla ships. Israeli forces detained participants heading to the Gaza Strip, including KO parliamentarian Franciszek Sterczewski. He said he was following the case and that the Polish consul was already in Aszdod, where the participants were directed by Israeli forces. Tusk assured that Sterczewski would receive the same consular assistance as any other citizen.
Consular Commitment to Sterczewski
Mr. Tusk emphasized that the Polish state must care for every Polish citizen in difficult and critical situations. He clarified that his role was not to judge Sterczewski’s motives but to provide consular help, as with all other citizens. The prime minister reiterated his readiness to treat Sterczewski as any other Polish national.
Warning to Polish Citizens
Reiterating a previous appeal, Mr. Tusk warned Polish citizens to refrain from traveling to dangerous regions. He urged MPs and all citizens to heed the foreign ministry’s appeals, as traveling to critical areas could trigger costly evacuations.
Status of Detained Polish Nationals
MFA spokesperson Maciej Wewior posted that Polish nationals detained on the flotilla are safe and unharmed. He noted that the Polish consul was in Aszdod, monitoring the situation, and confirmed that no Polish citizen would remain without care.
International Response
The Israeli foreign ministry has stated that detained flotilla participants will be transported to Israel, where deportation procedures to Europe will begin. Flotilla representatives contend that the seizure and takeover of certain vessels violates international law, as the incidents occurred in international waters.
