Islamabad, (Parliament Times) : We have long been warning against travel to the Gaza Strip and other war zones. We have repeatedly emphasized that it is essential to respect these recommendations. Travellers who knowingly ignore these warnings should be aware that consular assistance may be limited, or even impossible.
A Czech citizen on board the flotilla chose to ignore these recommendations. Nevertheless, in accordance with legal requirements and standard consular rules, the Ministry took all necessary steps. After verifying information about her presence, the Czech Embassy in Tel Aviv immediately contacted the Israeli authorities, carried out a consular visit, explained the available legal options, and provided basic assistance. The refusal to sign deportation documents on the part of the Czech citizen subsequently prolonged the process of departure from Israel.
The Embassy in Tel Aviv also maintained regular contact with the Israeli side with the aim of ensuring that the Czech citizen was treated in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations during her detention. In cooperation with partners, a safe departure by land via the Allenby Bridge to Jordan was arranged, followed by support from the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Amman.
In recent days, campaigns have appeared calling for mass emails and phone calls to the Ministry in connection with this flotilla. This surge temporarily limited the functioning of communication channels that serve Czech citizens around the world in securing consular assistance. We ask the public to follow verified information on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website and to use standard contact channels.
We recall that the organizers of the flotilla rejected offers from several states allowing the safe unloading of aid in ports near the Gaza Strip — notwithstanding that the volume of imported humanitarian aid was, even in light of the chosen risks, very small.
We understand that media attention was also among the aims of some participants. Activism is legitimate in a democratic society, but by choosing this route the participants knowingly and deliberately burdened the consular services of their countries, which already operate in Israel under difficult conditions, thereby jeopardising the possible provision of consular assistance to other citizens. Humanitarian aid should be delivered safely, in a coordinated manner, and through agreed humanitarian channels.
Czech diplomacy is acutely aware of the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the region. Hamas can end the war tomorrow if it releases the remaining Israeli hostages, lays down its arms, and relinquishes governing authority in Gaza. Czechia supports the United States’ plan aimed at a sustainable ceasefire, the release of all Israeli hostages, the protection of the civilian population, and improved humanitarian access in line with international humanitarian law.