Italian delegation of Global Sumud Flotilla declines to leave aid in Cyprus
The Italian contingent of the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla has rejected an Italian government proposal to offload its aid in Cyprus instead of trying to sail directly to Gaza
“Our mission stays true to its original goal of breaking [Israel’s] illegal siege and delivering humanitarian aid to the besieged population of Gaza,” the Italian group said in a statement.
Despite dispatching two navy ships to help assist the flotilla, which has come under repeated drone attacks in international waters, the Italian government has urged the flotilla members not to proceed towards Gaza.
“We cannot guarantee the safety of our fellow citizens if they enter the territorial waters of other countries,” said Defence Minister Guido Crosetto earlier.
Global Sumud Flotilla expects ‘imminent violent Israeli attack’
The Gaza-bound aid flotilla says it has received “credible intelligence” that “Israel is likely to escalate violent attacks on the flotilla within the next 48 hours” – potentially with weapons that could scuttle boats or cause fatalities.
In a press release, the group said it will soon hold a news conference to provide updates on the latest threats and the flotilla’s “plan forward”.
It repeated “urgent calls for governments and international bodies to intervene and guarantee the flotilla’s safe passage as it works to break Israel’s illegal siege on Gaza”, the statement said.
Global Sumud Flotilla — a 50-boat convoy with over 300 international activists — is attempting to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza, which has caused a UN-declared famine and over 400 starvation deaths.
Since setting sail nearly a month ago, the flotilla has faced repeated drone attacks and sabotage by the Israeli military, including strikes in Tunisian waters.
Despite international outrage, most governments have failed to respond. However, Italy and Spain have now deployed naval ships to protect their citizens onboard. The flotilla continues its journey through Greek waters, defying threats from Israel, which has labeled the activists “terrorists.” The UN and EU have condemned any use of force, but the situation remains tense as the convoy presses on toward Gaza.
The UK is more likely to help Israel with surveillance of the Flotilla...
