The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has submitted an emergency motion to Parliament, calling on the government to ascertain the safety of Maldivian citizens aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The flotilla, which set sail at the end of August, is the largest such mission in years.

It consists of 50 vessels carrying more than 500 activists from over 44 countries, including participants from the Maldives.

The mission aims to break Israel’s blockade on Gaza by delivering humanitarian aid and medical supplies.

Israeli naval forces intercepted several vessels late Wednesday in international waters, about 70 nautical miles (130 kilometers) off Gaza’s coast.

At least 13 ships have been intercepted, and nearly 200 activists, including climate activist Greta Thunberg, have been detained according to international reports.

Communications were cut and signals jammed during the operation.

Despite the interception, rest of the vessels remain at sea, with some reportedly within 50–60 kilometers of Gaza.

As Parliament reopened after recess on Thursday, Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir tabled the emergency motion, condemning the storming of the flotilla.

The motion received bipartisan support and was accepted for debate with a unanimous vote of 57.

In his motion, Mauroof condemned the Israeli action and urged the Maldivian government to identify and do whatever it can to condemn this, ascertain the safety of the Maldivian citizens joining this movement, and for the state to join this movement.

One Maldivian confirmed aboard the flotilla is Ibrahim Shaz (Bodey), Secretary General of the Maldives-based International Aid Campaign (IAC), who is traveling on an observer vessel.

The emergency motion also suggested that another Maldivian activist may be among those on board.

The Global Sumud Flotilla marks the largest mission so far to challenge Israel’s blockade on Gaza, where the Israeli military continues to carry out devastating attacks.