Gaza flotilla poses no threat to Israel: Spanish foreign minister
Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares has told the Reuters news agency the Global Sumud Flotilla, heading to Gaza and protected by a Spanish military vessel, poses no threat to anyone, including Israel.
In the interview, Albares added that Spain had accepted Belgium’s request to assist Belgian citizens on board the flotilla if needed and was holding conversations with Ireland on the same subject.
UK Parliament members urge protection for Global Sumud Flotilla
More than 80 members of the UK Parliament have signed a letter calling on Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper to ensure that “no harm” comes to members of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which is aiming to break Israel’s siege on Gaza.
The MPs expressed concern for people participating in the action due to the way Israel has dealt with such naval convoys in the past.
“We are concerned that Israel is planning to treat this aid mission with similar hostility, putting the safety of British citizens at risk,” the letter said.
Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn was among the signatories as well as veteran Labour MP Diane Abbott, a group of independent MPs who were elected last year in constituencies dissatisfied with Labour’s message on Gaza and Zara Sultana, who has founded a new party with Corbyn.
The letter said: “To be clear, the participants on the flotilla are journalists, healthcare professionals, aid workers and activists. They are not terrorists, nor do they pose a threat to Israel.”
Separately, Sultana has called on the UK to follow Spain’s lead and send its navy to protect British citizens in the flotilla. “Having armed and enabled this genocide, the very least this Labour government can do is act now to protect the 13 British citizens on board,” she said on X.
Greek navy to ensure safe passage for Gaza flotilla, says foreign minister
Greece’s Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis says his country’s navy will secure the safe passage of ships in the Global Sumud Flotilla, which has entered its territorial waters.
Speaking on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Gerapetritis told Reuters that “There are a small number of boats currently in the waters of Crete, and we will guarantee the safe sailing”.
He also said that Greek authorities have “already informed the Israeli government about the participation of Greek citizens in this, and we will make sure that everything goes well.”
