The Global Sumud Flotilla carrying pro-Palestinian activists was set to leave Greek waters on Friday and head towards Gaza amid Israel’s growing warnings, according to Reuters.
Despites Israel’s plans to block the boats’ access to the Palestinian enclave, the organizers announced that they are on their way to Gaza to break the naval blockade and deliver humanitarian aids to Gazans.
“We are not just delivering humanitarian aid. We are trying to deliver hope and solidarity, to send a strong message that the world stands with Palestine,” climate activist Greta Thunberg said.
The vessel’s journey across the Mediterranean has sparked international tensions, particularly after it reported drone attacks earlier this week.
In response, Italy and Spain have deployed naval ships to protect their citizens and other Europeans aboard the flotilla.
Moreover, Greek authorities said they would ensure the safe sailing of the flotilla off the country.
However, Friday’s launch will take the flotilla back into international waters in the eastern Mediterranean. Organizers noted they expect the flotilla to arrive early next week.
Meanwhile, Israel threatened that the flotilla will not pass and claimed that the flotilla will only assist Hamas.
The flotilla has accused Israel of attacking its boats. 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.
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.
Israel supported the proposal, but the Sumud Flotilla dismissed it.
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