Flotilla to Gaza Proceeds Despite Appeals, Seeks Humanitarian Corridor Access
CRETE, GREECE – The Global Sumud Flotilla, aiming to deliver aid to Gaza, has rejected appeals to halt its journey and is now navigating south of Crete, seeking a pathway to establish a humanitarian corridor through the Rafah crossing. The move comes as Frontex, the European border control agency, affirmed it lacks the mandate to provide protection or escort to the vessels.
The flotilla’s plan involves offloading aid onto trucks for transport into Gaza, collaborating with existing organizations operating within the Palestinian territory. Activists onboard describe the potential opening of a humanitarian corridor as “revolutionary.” A last-resort option of a maritime filter involving European ships positioned near Israeli waters remains a distant and “very perilous” possibility due to collision risks.
Approximately 50 Italian activists were initially part of the delegation, with around 40 remaining onboard while the others have returned to Italy to continue supporting the effort. The situation unfolds amid growing international attention and requests for intervention, including a letter signed by 58 MEPs urging European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to deploy Frontex. However, Frontex has clarified its role as a “civil, non-military organization” without the capacity for protection or escort duties.
