“Now it’s up to land crew: flooding cities and navigating stubbornly against the winds of war agitated by our governments.” With this appeal, widespread on social channels, the activists of the Global Sumud Flotilla They invite you to take to the streets until Saturday, when a national event is scheduled in Italy. Since last night, in fact, the boats of the international flotilla directed towards Gaza have been intercepted by the Israeli Navy, triggering protests and principals in various Italian cities.
The accusation of activists
In a released press release after the interception, Flotilla promoters speak of an “illegal kidnapping, in direct violation of international law and fundamental human rights”. The ships, which transported “food, powdered milk for babies, medicines and volunteers from 47 countries”, would have been stopped in international waters, “where Israel has no jurisdiction”.
According to the press release, the Israeli forces would have used water cannons, Maleoding chemicals and disturbed passengers’ communications, before transferring hundreds of activists to a war ship, the MSC Johannesburg.
The version of Israel
The reading of Tel Aviv is different. The Israeli Foreign Ministry said that “Hamas-Sumud provocation is over”, reiterating that “no yacht has managed to violate the legitimate naval block”. According to Israel, one of the boats would have approached the coasts of Gaza, but all passengers were made safe and will be deported to Europe.
The European Union: “Maritime law must be respected”
In Brussels, the European Commission has expressed concern. “The international humanitarian and maritime law must be respected,” said the spokesman Eva Hrncirova, condemning “every attack or confiscation against Flotilla”.
The spokesman clarified that the EU has not received requests for direct assistance and does not have military means to protect ships. “The protection of participants belongs to the national authorities,” he underlined, specifying that several member countries have already asked Israel guarantees for the safety of activists.
A humanitarian route
“We understand perfectly that they want to attract attention to the suffering of Gaza and have the right to do so,” added the European Commission, reiterating that the goal remains full and not hindered access of humanitarian aid in the strip.
A goal shared by Global Sumud Flotilla activists, who now ask the European squares to become the new sea in which to make their protest travel.
