After pausing for several days in Greek waters for required repairs, the Global Sumud Flotilla has set sail again for Gaza to break the Israeli blockade and deliver humanitarian aids, according to Reuters.
“Brothers and sisters in Gaza, we sail with hope in our hearts. Your resilience is our compass; your struggle is our struggle. Together, we will break the silence of the siege,” the Global Sumud Flotilla wrote on social media.
On Sunday, organizers announced that Greek vessels had successfully joined their flotilla. So, the flotilla, which counts some 47 civilian boats, was now “complete”.
Moreover, a flotilla of 10 vessels departed from Sicily, southern Italy, on Saturday, with 60 people on board including elected officials from nine nations.
The vessels carry officials from the European Parliament and from countries including Belgium, France, Ireland, Spain and the United States.
Israel has repeatedly threatened that the flotilla will not pass and claimed that the aids will only assist Hamas.
The vessel’s journey across the Mediterranean has sparked international tensions, particularly after it reported drone attacks that targeted its boats.
In response, Italy and Spain have deployed naval ships to protect their citizens and other Europeans aboard the flotilla.
The flotilla has accused Israel of attacking its boats. However, Israel’s Foreign Ministry did not respond directly to the accusation. Instead, it invited the ship to drop humanitarian aids for Israel and Israeli authorities will deliver them to Gaza, or face consequences.
Italian Proposal
Italy suggested a compromise in which the aid would be dropped off in Cyprus and transferred to the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem for distribution in Gaza.
On Sunday, Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani repeated this proposal, but the organizers dismissed it.
“We have always said … that it is dangerous to approach Israeli waters. We don’t know what might happen. Forcing the blockade is dangerous,” Tajani told reporters.
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