Fear of Israeli interception high as Samud flotilla enters ‘high-risk zone’

The Global Sumud Flotilla announced that its ships had entered a “high-risk zone” about 150 nautical miles (278 km) from Gaza, an area where previous aid flotillas had been intercepted by Israeli forces.

UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese and Colombian President Gustavo Petro called for the vessels to be allowed safe passage. The flotilla, which is accompanied by ships from Spain and Italy, is being shadowed by Turkish drones monitoring the waters for any possible attack. Italy, however, has stated that its frigate, which had been following the flotilla, would now withdraw.

To ensure the safety of those on board, the organisers have been streaming live video as the boats draw closer to Gaza.

Israel has vowed to block the flotilla, insisting that the volunteers are attempting to break a “lawful naval blockade.” Advocates for the mission counter that international law permits the delivery of humanitarian aid, Al Jazeera reported.

Through their foreign ministries, Italy and Greece have jointly released a statement urging Israel to refrain from harming the activists on board the flotilla.

The two nations stated that they call on the Israeli government to guarantee the participants' safety and security and to permit all consular protection measures.

One of the biggest human rights organisations in the world, Amnesty International, has joined a global chorus of voices demanding that the Global Sumud Flotilla be protected.

In a post on X, it said the “persistent inaction of states in the face of Israel’s genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip has forced activists from across the world to take peaceful measures to break the siege”.

“States have a responsibility to guarantee the flotilla’s safe passage. They must step up pressure to protect the flotilla and demand an end of Israel’s genocide, and of its unlawful blockade once and for all.”