Global Flotilla in ‘Danger Zone’, Approaching Gaza

Gaza: The Global Sumud Flotilla entered the zone where it is at risk of being intercepted by Israeli forces overnight but at the time of writing the boats seeking to take aid to Gaza had not been stopped.

According to Ansa News Agency, Arturo Scotto, an MP for the opposition, centre-left Democratic Party (PD) who is taking part in the mission, stated, “We are 130-135 miles off the coast of Gaza.” Scotto added that there have been no halt signals from Israel so far, but the flotilla remains on permanent alert, aware that they could be approached for boarding during the day.

The Italian government and President Sergio Mattarella had previously appealed to the flotilla to stop before leaving international waters to avoid putting human life in danger. They called on the activists to accept an offer from the Catholic Church to deliver the aid the boats are carrying to Gaza. Premier Giorgia Meloni reiterated this appeal on Tuesday, arguing that the flotilla initiative could jeopardize US President Donald Trump’s
plan for Gaza.

Maria Elena Delia, the flotilla’s Italian spokeswoman, reported that unidentified boats approached several flotilla boats during the night, some with their lights off. Participants have since applied security protocols in preparation for a possible boarding, and the boats have moved away from the flotilla. The flotilla continues to sail toward Gaza, approaching the 120-nautical-mile limit, near the area where previous flotillas were intercepted and attacked.