Mass. Sens. Warren, Markey press Marco Rubio to protect Gaza aid flotilla that includes Bay Staters

U.S. Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey are calling on the State Department to step up to protect a flotilla, whose ranks include two Massachusetts residents, that’s carrying food and aid to Gaza.

The Bay State Democrats, joined by U.S. Sens. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., and Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., sent the appeal to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, urging him to intervene with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.

Those aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla were attacked Tuesday off the coast of Crete.

Two Western Massachusetts brothers, Adnaan Stumo and Tor Stumo, are among the 30 Americans who are believed to be taking part in the flotilla.

Residents of Maryland and Oregon are also participating in the flotilla, hence the involvement of Van Hollen and Merkley.

“Under international humanitarian law and international human rights law, they warrant protection,” the lawmakers told Rubio.

They argued that Rubio, as the nation’s top diplomat, has a “critical role to play in ensuring that U.S. foreign policy protects our citizens and promotes international law and humanitarian relief.

Read More: 2 Mass. men part of flotilla attacked during aid mission to Gaza

“We urge you to demand that the Netanyahu government refrain from any use of force against peaceful civilian vessels and ensure that humanitarian aid is surged into Gaza so that the desperate conditions that continue to prompt these flotillas no longer persist,” they wrote.

The Stumo brothers’ mother, Nadia Milleron, a Sheffield resident and former congressional candidate, told The Republican of Springfield on Wednesday that her sons plan to continue their mission with the flotilla.

Following the latest attacks, the convoy is now escorted by an Italian naval vessel.