Barcelona, Oct 1 (AP) A flotilla of activists attempting to breach Israel's blockade of Gaza remains on high alert after a recent encounter with a warship as they edge closer to the embattled Palestinian territory. The group anticipates interception by Israeli authorities, a recurrence of previous flotilla attempts.
Spain and Italy have deployed navy ships to escort the flotilla for part of its voyage, although the Italian government has urged activists to withdraw to avoid conflict with Israel.
According to the Global Sumud Flotilla, two vessels were reportedly harassed by an Israeli warship on Wednesday evening, though they were not intercepted.
The flotilla's mission The organizers state that approximately 50 small boats, carrying around 500 activists from various countries, are part of the flotilla. They are transporting symbolic amounts of humanitarian aid—primarily food and medicine—for Palestinians in Gaza.
The 23-month conflict has left a humanitarian disaster in its wake, with much of Gaza in ruins. Leading authorities on the food crisis have declared famine conditions in Gaza’s largest city. Activists hope to highlight the plight of Palestinians. They claim this is the largest initiative to date to challenge Israel's maritime blockade of Gaza, a blockade that has persisted for 18 years, well before the current conflict.
Israel justifies the blockade as a necessary measure to prevent Hamas from acquiring arms, while critics argue it constitutes collective punishment.
The voyage Core vessels departed from Barcelona, Spain, on September 1, traveling east across the Mediterranean Sea. They have since been joined by boats from other nations. The fleet includes larger support ships that provide resources to smaller boats.
Participants include Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, former Barcelona Mayor Ada Colau, Mandla Mandela—Nelson Mandela’s grandson—as well as Italian and European Parliament lawmakers. Organizers say activists from 46 countries are involved, including military veterans, doctors, clergy, and lawyers.
The majority of the flotilla was navigating north of Egypt on Wednesday, heading towards a “high-risk zone” where Israeli forces have previously halted flotillas.
Drone encounters The flotilla has experienced three drone attacks: twice in Tunisia on September 8 and 9, and once south of Greece last week. During the latter incident, they claimed to be targeted by “unidentified drones and communications jamming.” Activists reported “at least 13 explosions” were heard around several boats, with drones or aircraft dropping “unidentified objects” on at least 10 boats.
No injuries were reported, but the incident caused damage to vessels and disrupted communications. Thunberg reaffirmed that such attacks would not deter their mission.
Israel’s position Israel has expressed no objection to Italy and Spain providing rescue ships, but has criticized the aid mission, claiming participants are linked to Hamas—an accusation activists reject. Israeli officials have warned that boats will not be permitted to reach Gaza.
Eden Bar Tal from the Israeli Foreign Ministry commented, “The true goal of this flotilla is provocation and supporting Hamas, not a humanitarian effort.” Israel asserts no vessel will breach what it deems as an “active combat zone.”
Legal and diplomatic concerns The U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea grants states jurisdiction up to 12 nautical miles (19 kilometers) from their shores. In international waters, the right to seize ships is typically reserved for wartime scenarios. The legality of the blockade remains disputed, with rights organizations condemning it as unlawful collective punishment.
Spain and Italy's naval presence nearby aims at potential rescues, but both governments have advised against breaching the blockade. Italy’s premier cautioned that the activists’ actions could undermine U.S. President Donald Trump's peace proposals for Gaza.
Rome has sought alternative solutions, including an offer—declined by flotilla organizers—to transport aid to Cyprus for delivery by the Catholic Church. Organizers viewed this as an attempt to disrupt their humanitarian mission, stating, “The flotilla sails onward.”
International reactions The U.N. Human Rights Office, along with the EU, has urged restraint, emphasizing the necessity to uphold freedom of navigation under international law. Columbia’s President Gustavo Petro has demanded the safety of all individuals in the mission, which includes two Colombian citizens.
Historical attempts at breaching the blockade have faced attacks, such as a drone strike off Malta in May. An overland convoy across North Africa was blocked by security forces in Libya. In 2010, Israeli commandos raided the Mavi Marmara, leading to the deaths of nine Turkish citizens and one Turkish-American, marking the last successful breach in 2008.
The ongoing conflict The current conflict started on October 7, 2023, with a Hamas-led offensive that killed 1,200 people and captured 251 hostages. Israel's counteroffensive aims at pressuring Hamas into surrendering and releasing the remaining hostages. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, the Israeli operation has resulted in over 66,000 Palestinian deaths, with civilians making up approximately half of the casualties. (AP) SKS SKS
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