The Global Sumud Flotilla, an initiative to break the illegal siege on Gaza, is now just two days from the Gaza Strip and approaching what organizers describe as a “danger zone.”
The International Committee to Break the Siege of Gaza (ICBSG) stated that the ships are only 420 kilometers from the blockaded enclave, where participants face the threat of interception and arrest by Israeli occupation forces.
In multiple statements posted on Facebook, ICBSG called on international organizations and governments to pressure Israel to end the blockade, facilitate the fleet’s delivery of humanitarian aid, and establish a humanitarian sea corridor for the besieged Palestinians.
It specifically called on the governments of Turkey, Italy, Spain, and all governments worldwide to translate their support into commitments and actions, stressing “the right to freedom of passage and humanitarian access under international law.”
Flotilla participants are anticipating crossing the “orange zone,” where the Israeli navy is expected to attempt an interception, on Tuesday night or Wednesday. Italian and Spanish frigates and warships are accompanying the Flotilla, having been dispatched by those countries to “protect their personnel and provide assistance when needed.”
The fleet faces continuous threats of attack while sailing through international waters in the Mediterranean. Al Jazeera reported that several governments have warned their citizens in the flotilla of a possible Israeli strike. To reduce the risk, the ships temporarily entered Greek territorial waters last Thursday before resuming their course on Saturday.
Last week, six ships in the flotilla were attacked by drones that launched projectiles and sound bombs, causing minor material damage but no casualties. This prompted Italy and Spain to send warships “to protect the flotilla and provide assistance.”
Earlier this month, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir presented a plan to stop the flotilla sailing to Gaza, according to Sky News. Under the proposal, all activists aboard would be arrested and detained in Israel’s Ketziot and Damon prisons, facilities used for holding what authorities label as “terrorists,” under strict conditions usually reserved for security prisoners.
This is not the first assault on maritime efforts to challenge the blockade. In May, Israeli drones attacked the Conscience vessel of the Freedom Flotilla near Malta as it sailed toward Gaza. In June, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition reported that Israeli forces intercepted the vessel Madleen after it departed Sicily to deliver aid. Activists on board were arrested and deported. The ship Handala faced the same outcome.
