Gaza aid flotilla presses journey, accuses Israel of ‘intimidation’ • FRANCE 24 English

A smattering of boats dot the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Gaza. In total, some 50 vessels make up the flotillaa that’s trying to break the blockade imposed by Israel. As they neared their destination, reports mounting of increased drone activity and maneuvers at sea intended to intimidate carried out by Israeli warships. We know that we’re going to be facing these types of uh threats or these types of intimidations uh more and more as we move forward. Uh we’re aware of this and we’re here to to challenge this to challenge uh attacks, to challenge threats, to challenge potential interceptions in international waters that violate international law. Securing the flotillaa has been a concern with many foreign nationals participating. Until recently, Italian warships were accompanying the vessels, but Rome could no longer assure the flotillaa safety as the boats approached waters around Gaza. It is dangerous to approach an area controlled by the Israeli Navy. And our navy certainly cannot accompany the flat ships to force the blockade. The flutilla’s mission to ease suffering in Gaza gaining attention from different corners of the world. And what the flutilla is caring is exactly the courage to enforce international law while all other actors responsible to enforce international law as sitting idle, looking aside and even helping Israel enforce the blockade. One notices the desire to respond to a true humanitarian emergency. But there are so many elements there from all different places and we are hoping that there is no violence and the people are respected. That is important. As the flotillaa inches towards Gaza, Italy and Greece are calling on Israel not to hurt any of the activists aboard. Members continue to reject proposals to hand over aid to the Catholic Church, adamant to expose Israel’s naval blockade, which they consider unlawful.

A flotilla bound for Gaza with aid for the war-battered Palestinian territory said on Wednesday that it would continue its course despite what it called “intimidation tactics” by the Israeli military. The flotilla of some 45 vessels carrying activists and politicians, including Swedish campaigner Greta Thunberg and Nelson Mandela’s grandson Mandla Mandela, departed Spain last month with the aim of breaking the blockade on Gaza, where the UN has said there is a famine.
#Israel #Gaza #Flotilla

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39 comments

  1. When governments fail, civil society responds. From flotillas sailing to break the siege, to boycotts, to grassroots movements for justice, it’s always ordinary people who step up when leaders won’t.

  15. 02:01 „they consider“. NO. Not „they consider“. Everyone considers the bIockade iIIegaI because law applies to everybody and the law clearly says that the bIockde is iIIegaI

  19. All Leaders are only poor cowards and they will have to justify their cowardice some day soon ! Perhaps some day it shall be their turn to endure war and atrocities in their proper families and before them ! Who knows what will occur in the coming months! Time will tell ….

  25. 😂😂😂 it’s a military siege. What can you expect? This only ends in jail. Second time offenders can expect years in jail. The international community opinion about Gaza is irrelevant. 😂 Italy and Spain escorts got their warning from the 6th fleet. About face and return home, nothing to do, nothing to see about engagement with the Israeli Navy. ❤

  32. You wanna see how heroes look like? This is how. Not Batman. Real people doing what government fails to do.

    Meanwhile I checked comments in Euronews… It's absolutely crazy.

  35. It was found that the flotilla boats are owned by hamas supporters. proof on ownership papers discovered!

  36. But what happened to the convoy of trucks and buses heading for the occupied east of Ukraine? Has it been abandoned, or was it perhaps turned back? We need updates on that mission of mercy too, and how the activists and participating politicians are faring. Where can we find more news and information about the Ukraine convoy? Thanks in advance for any reply!!

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