Background and Context
The United Nations (UN) and the European Union (EU) have strongly condemned recent attacks against a humanitarian aid flotilla heading to Gaza. The flotilla aims to deliver essential supplies and break the Israeli blockade on Gaza, a region devastated by nearly two years of conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg, who is part of the flotilla, accused Israel of attempting to intimidate and silence those advocating for Palestinian rights. The flotilla, consisting of 51 ships and carrying activists from 45 countries, has faced multiple challenges before, including two previous attempts in June and July that were thwarted by Israel.
Attacks on the Flotilla
On the day of the incident, activists reported being attacked near Greek waters by multiple drones causing explosions on some of their vessels. The flotilla had previously denounced drone attacks on September 9 near Tunisia. The attackers allegedly used explosive and incendiary devices, as well as chemical substances, and disabled the flotilla’s emergency communication systems.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights demanded an immediate end to these attacks and accountability for those responsible. The European Commission spokesperson described any attack on the flotilla as “unacceptable” and emphasized respect for freedom of navigation under international law.
Italy and Spain Provide Assistance
In response to the situation, Italy dispatched a warship to “ensure assistance for Italian citizens on the flotilla” and conduct rescue operations if necessary. About sixty Italians, including four parliament members, are aboard the flotilla. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Spain would send a vessel the following day to support the flotilla, ensuring the safety of Spanish citizens participating.
Details of the Attacks
According to German human rights activist Yasemin Acar, five ships were attacked during the night, involving around 15 to 16 drones. Polish parliament member Franek Sterczewski reported 13 attacks against ten ships, with three suffering damage.
The Greek coast guard informed AFP that a Frontex patrol boat approached one vessel but found no signs of damage.
Flotilla’s Objective and Israeli Response
The flotilla seeks to establish a humanitarian corridor and end the ongoing “genocide” of the Palestinian people amidst the Israel-Hamas conflict, according to its organizers. However, Israel declared it would not allow the flotilla’s arrival.
The Gaza war erupted on October 7, 2023, following a Hamas attack on Israeli territory that resulted in 1,219 deaths, mostly civilians, according to official data. In August, the UN declared a famine in the Palestinian territory due to Israel’s nearly two-year-long strict blockade.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the purpose of the aid flotilla to Gaza? The flotilla aims to deliver essential humanitarian supplies and establish a corridor to break the Israeli blockade on Gaza, which has been devastated by years of conflict.
- Who condemned the attacks on the flotilla? The UN and EU have both strongly condemned these attacks, calling for an immediate end and accountability for those responsible.
- What actions did Italy and Spain take in response to the situation? Both countries dispatched warships or announced plans to do so, ensuring assistance and safety for their citizens participating in the flotilla.
- What were the reported details of the attacks on the flotilla? The flotilla reported being attacked by multiple drones causing explosions and using explosive, incendiary devices, and chemical substances. Emergency communication systems were also disabled.
- What is the current humanitarian situation in Gaza? Due to Israel’s blockade, Gaza faces severe shortages of essential goods and services. The UN declared a famine in the Palestinian territory in August 2023, with at least 65,000 people, mostly civilians, having died due to Israeli reprisals.
