Naval Support for Gaza-Bound Activist Fleet

Italy and Spain have sent naval forces to accompany a fleet of boats headed for Gaza, which includes international activists such as Greta Samberg, as reported by the Wall Street Journal on Friday.

The Sumud Flotilla, comprising numerous vessels and hundreds of participants, is now under the protection of both the Spanish and Italian navies while attempting to reach the Gazan coast. This decision follows an incident where an unidentified drone reportedly exploded near one of the boats, causing damage to the fleet.

Despite multiple warnings from Israel urging the fleet to turn back, the group has remained resolute, according to the WSJ. “We’re sailing peacefully in international waters. We’re not carrying weapons; we’re bringing food, baby formulas, medical supplies, and water. Our goal is to break Israel’s illegal and inhumane blockade,” a member of the fleet stated during a live stream.

Spain and Italy have indicated they will provide rescue operations if needed. The fleet plans to arrive in Gaza next week, where it’s anticipated they will encounter the Israeli blockade.

While this mission aims to challenge the blockade of the Gaza Strip, it mirrors an earlier attempt made by Greta in June, which resulted in the Israeli Defense Forces intercepting her vessel, detaining her, and subsequently expelling her from Israel.

Requests for comments from the Global Sumud Flotilla, and both the Italian and Spanish Ministries of Foreign Affairs did not receive immediate responses.