CAPJ Celebrates Congressional Letter Demanding Protection for Gaza Flotilla Humanitarians

Community Alliance for Peace and Justice (CAPJ) is proud to have contributed to the congressional letter led by Rep. Rashida Tlaib condemning the Israeli military's illegal interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla and demanding accountability from Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

On April 29, 2026, Israeli forces attacked nearly two dozen civilian vessels 600 miles into international waters, abducting at least 175 unarmed humanitarians, journalists, and solidarity activists—including 14 U.S. citizens—who were attempting to deliver food and medical aid to Palestinians in Gaza enduring forced starvation.

Instead of protecting American citizens, the State Department issued a formal condemnation of the humanitarian mission, smearing participants with libelous falsehoods and threatening allied countries that allow port access to the flotilla.

The letter, signed by 19 members of Congress including Reps. Tlaib, McGovern, Pressley, Ocasio-Cortez, Omar, and others, demands that Secretary Rubio:

Rescind threats against flotilla participants and their supporters

Secure the freedom of passengers still illegally detained

Address the root cause: Israel's brutal blockade and genocide in Gaza

The letter emphasizes that the ongoing forced starvation in Gaza violates legally binding International Court of Justice orders and that the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry has determined Israel is committing genocide.

CAPJ worked alongside nine other organizations to secure support for this letter through targeted outreach to congressional offices, demonstrating the power of coordinated coalition advocacy.

Read the full letter here.