Doha: The United Nations and the European Union on Wednesday condemned the overnight attacks targeting the Global Sumud Flotilla en route to the Gaza Strip off the coast of Greece. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights called out the assaults, urging an independent investigation. Activists participating in this flotilla affirmed that their vessels came under drone attacks and accused Israel of standing behind this offensive.
According to Qatar News Agency, Israel is trying to intimidate and silence those who are moving for Palestine, said Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg in a press conference via Instagram today. The activists are seeking to reach Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid to the Strip and to break the Israeli blockade imposed on it. Officials overseeing the flotilla announced that the attack occurred while its ships were sailing southwest of the Greek island of Crete.
Meanwhile, Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto dispatched a frigate of the Italian Navy to assist the flotilla. To ensure assistance for Italian citizens aboard the flotilla, the immediate intervention of the Italian multi-purpose frigate Fasan of the Italian Navy, which was sailing north of Crete as part of Operation Safe Sea, had been authorized, Crosetto said. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stated that he had requested Israel to ensure the safety of Italian citizens, as well as members of parliament and MEPs aboard the flotilla. Approximately 60 Italians, including four parliamentarians, are on board.
Meanwhile, Polish lawmaker Franek Sterczewski posted on X that there had been 13 attacks on a total of 10 vessels, noting that three of them sustained damage. The flotilla, which had departed earlier in September from Barcelona, reported that it had previously been targeted by two drone attacks while anchored off Tunisia. Israel had also prevented two similar attempts to reach Gaza by sea in June and July.