The international aid flotilla “Global Sumud,” whose goal is to break the blockade of the Gaza Strip, has resumed its journey after being attacked by drones in the Mediterranean Sea. Despite damage to their vessels, the organizers declared they would not be intimidated by Israel and reaffirmed their commitment to deliver humanitarian supplies to the Palestinian population. “We will not stop our efforts until the genocide ends.
We call on governments to exert pressure to end the violence,” stated Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela, grandson of the late South African president Nelson Mandela, and one of the most prominent figures on board the flotilla. The crew also includes two Italian opposition lawmakers and two Italian representatives of the European Union, adding a strong political dimension to the humanitarian mission. Together, the activists aim to raise awareness of Gaza’s plight and deliver aid directly by sea.
According to reports, on Wednesday night the flotilla was attacked south of Crete with drones, sound bombs, tear gas, and unidentified substances. While the ships sustained material damage, no injuries were reported. In response, the Italian government dispatched a military frigate to protect the passengers and ensure their safety.
“The risks they face must be clear, regardless of their good intentions: the moment the flotilla leaves international waters and enters the territorial waters of another state, that state may view the operation as an almost hostile act,” warned Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto. The Italian aid organization Emergency also reported the presence of a military aircraft flying over the area where the flotilla was sailing.
“Based on the numbers and coat of arms on the fuselage, it could have been an Israeli plane,” the organization stated. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reacted to the incidents by calling for responsibility, though she directed her message at the activists rather than Israeli authorities. “It is not necessary to risk one’s life to bring relief supplies to a war zone when the state itself can deliver them quickly and safely,” she said, urging especially the Italian lawmakers aboard the flotilla to reconsider their participation.
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani is working on a mediation proposal to redirect the aid. Under the plan, the supplies intended for Gaza would be delivered to Cyprus and then transferred to the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, which would oversee their distribution. “This proposal has the approval of the governments of Cyprus, Israel, and of course Italy. We are now awaiting the flotilla’s response,” Tajani explained.
The situation continues to attract international attention, as the flotilla symbolizes not only a humanitarian effort but also a political act of defiance against the blockade that Israel has imposed on Gaza for more than a decade.
