A fleet of vessels, packed with humanitarian aid and passionate activists, is drawing ever closer to the Gaza Strip this Wednesday. Their journey continues despite urgent pleas from several European leaders who are calling for them to turn back, hoping to avert a potentially dangerous confrontation with Israeli forces.
Both Italy and Greece, through their foreign ministers, have appealed to Israel to guarantee the flotilla’s safety. In a unified statement, they also advised the activists to transfer the aid to the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, which would then be responsible for its delivery into Gaza.
As of Wednesday, the flotilla was positioned less than 145 nautical miles from Gaza, sailing off the Egyptian coast. Despite the evident risks, organizers have made it clear they are resolute in their mission to proceed.
Israeli authorities have proposed that the flotilla deliver its cargo to Israel for onward transfer to Gaza. However, the activists involved have firmly rejected this offer.
Who are the people behind this mission?
These vessels are part of the ‘Global Sumud Flotilla,’ an assembly of activists dedicated to protesting Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Their primary objective is to deliver much-needed food supplies to alleviate the severe humanitarian crisis gripping the region.
The flotilla embarked from Spain in early September, gradually expanding to 40 boats as it sailed across the Mediterranean. On board are several notable figures, including renowned climate activist Greta Thunberg, Mandla Mandela (grandson of Nelson Mandela), and elected Italian lawmakers. Italy itself has seen widespread anti-war protests recently.
Throughout their journey, organizers have kept the public informed by sharing regular updates on social media.
What is the primary objective of this group?
The activists state their core objective is to dismantle the siege on Gaza and establish a maritime humanitarian corridor for aid delivery. Beyond this, they aim to spotlight the immense suffering within the enclave, which has endured an Israeli blockade since Hamas assumed control in 2007.
Since the conflict began on October 7, 2023, following a Hamas-led attack, Israel’s restrictions on goods entering Gaza have intensified significantly. A UN-backed panel of food experts reports that over 60,000 Palestinians have died, and parts of the enclave are facing famine, though Israel disputes these findings.
The activists aboard the flotilla have confirmed their vessels are laden with critical supplies, including medicine, baby formula, food, diapers, and prosthetic limbs.
Last week, Ms. Thunberg articulated their purpose: “We are trying to deliver hope and solidarity, to send a strong message that the world stands with Palestine.”
What has been Israel’s reaction?
Organizers of the flotilla assert that Israel’s aid restrictions on Gaza and its interference with relief missions constitute violations of international law. This mission has been marked by ongoing conflict with Israeli authorities from its inception.
Israel’s government has declared its intention to take all necessary measures to prevent the ships from reaching Gaza. It has also leveled accusations that the flotilla has links to Hamas, claims which the organizers vehemently deny.
According to Israeli authorities, the flotilla’s attempt to enter Gaza would violate an established naval blockade, and they are prepared to “take the necessary measures to prevent its entry into the combat zone.”
Israel’s foreign ministry has instructed the group to unload its aid in Israel, promising “it can be forwarded promptly to the Gaza Strip in a peaceful and nonviolent manner.” The ministry added that declining this offer would demonstrate “the insincerity of the flotilla members.”
Organizers of the flotilla have dismissed Israel’s proposal as disingenuous, alleging Israeli involvement in jamming their communications and launching drone attacks against them. These incidents reportedly occurred last week near Greece and last month at a port in Tunisia, as they navigated the Mediterranean.
Following these reported incidents, both Italy and Spain dispatched naval ships to escort the flotilla for certain legs of its journey. Additionally, Turkey deployed drones to monitor the boats and record any further potential attacks.
However, as the flotilla advanced closer to Gaza, Spanish officials strongly advised against further progression. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni echoed this call, expressing concerns that the mission could jeopardize ongoing efforts to secure a peace agreement.
Is this a new tactic? Past attempts to reach Gaza by sea.
Activists have a history of attempting to deliver aid to Gaza via sea.
In May, a Gaza-bound vessel named ‘Conscience’ was forced to abandon its mission off Malta’s coast after being hit by explosions. Israeli forces intercepted ‘the Madleen’ in June and ‘the Handala’ in July, both attempting similar voyages.
A previous attempt in 2010 to intercept another flotilla tragically escalated when Israeli navy commandos boarded a vessel, resulting in the deaths of at least nine passengers and injuries to 30 others.