International Flotilla Approaches Gaza Amidst Israeli Warnings and Safety Concerns
A flotilla of over 50 vessels is currently approaching the coast of Gaza, aiming to challenge israel’s naval blockade of the territory. The mission has drawn international attention, with several governments urging caution and offering option aid delivery routes, while activists maintain their intent to break what thay describe as an “illegal siege.”
The Spanish government has strongly advised the flotilla not to enter Israel’s declared exclusion zone, citing safety concerns for all involved. Government sources in Madrid acknowledged the “laudable and legitimate” nature of the flotilla’s mission but emphasized the priority of protecting lives. Consequently, the Spanish naval patrol boat Furor, deployed to assist the flotilla, will remain outside the exclusion zone, prepared to offer assistance if a rescue becomes necessary.
Spain’s digital conversion minister, Óscar López, defended the government’s decision in an interview with Spain’s TVE, stating, “People need to remember that what these people are doing is bringing food and medicine, and this isn’t the first time that Israel has blockaded aid for the palestinian people…But the government has to make decisions and what the government isn’t going to do is put a Spanish boat in these waters that have been declared an israeli exclusion zone… We’ve gone as far as we can and we’re still there.”
Italy has also repeatedly urged the flotilla to deliver aid through Israeli or Cypriot ports, a proposal activists have rejected. Italian Democratic party MP Arturo scotto, speaking from onboard one of the vessels to La Repubblica, acknowledged his fear but affirmed the mission would continue, stating, ”The flotilla has certainly already shown one thing to the world: the emperor has no clothes.Israel, a great military power, fears about 40 small boats? No, it knows that this mission has exposed its unworthy criminal lies.”
Activists have clarified that the aid carried – described as largely symbolic – is not the primary objective, but rather a demonstration against the blockade.
The flotilla experienced an incident last week involving attacks by drones that deployed stun grenades and itching powder, resulting in minor damage but no injuries.
Israel’s navy is preparing to intercept the vessels, with the elite Shayetet 13 naval commando unit reportedly on standby. According to Israel’s public broadcaster, Kan, potential actions include towing ships to the port of Ashdod or sinking some at sea.
Israel’s foreign minister, Gideon Sa’ar, stated on X that the flotilla’s refusal of the Italian proposal to unload aid in cyprus demonstrates that “their real purpose is provocation and serving Hamas.” Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has also called for the mission to be halted, warning it could jeopardize a recent US-brokered peace initiative between Israel and Hamas.
Past attempts to breach the naval blockade of Gaza have been met with force by the Israeli military. In 2010, ten Turkish activists were killed during an Israeli raid on the Mavi Marmara ship, which was part of an aid flotilla heading to Gaza.
