TEHRAN – Concerns are growing about Israel’s aggressive action against the global smooth fleet approaching Gaza to break the long-standing Israeli blockade on Palestinian territory.
The fleet, a private initiative, consists of over 40 boats carrying more than 500 people, including lawmakers, lawyers and activists such as Greta Samberg.
According to Turkish Anadoru Agency, activists reported that the Israeli Navy harassed the ship on Wednesday, carrying out a cyberattack that disabled GPS and internet systems on Alma, one of the fleet’s main vessels. Israeli vessels were approaching within 5-10 meters of the boat. Activists described the operation as “major threats,” but reaffirmed their commitment to continuing the mission.
Australia has expressed deep concern about the safety of citizens on the fleet. The Foreign Minister said “we are deeply concerned with the suspected drone attack on the global SUMUD Flotilla and the risks to the safety of Australians and other passengers.”
Matt Thistlethwaite added: “Australia requires all parties to respect international law and international humanitarian law and refrain from illegal or violent acts against the fleet.” Six Australian citizens reportedly reportedly.
Extensive support
Lima Hassan, a French and Palestinian member of the European Parliament, aboard the fleet, said he hopes Israel will reach Gaza by Thursday despite efforts to intercept them. Hassan explained that each kilometre sailed as a “even more iconic victory.”
Mathilde Pano, leader of the parliamentary group of the left-wing La France Insemize party, emphasized the need to protect the fleet, noting that more than 50 French participants and six lawmakers are on board from her party.
Meanwhile, Zehranur Aydemir, who was elected Turkey’s youngest parliament in 2023, expressed support on social media, saying, “The fear of the murderous Netanyahu government wanting to be spread through the media was not enough to stop them.” She said, “Our eyes, our ears, and our hearts are in Samud Flochira, who sails through the Mediterranean to break down the walls of fear built by the oppressors.”
In the United States, nearly 20 members of Congress have signed a letter urging Secretary of State Marco Rubio to protect the fleet. The letter, led by Rashida Tlaib and approved by figures including Ilhan Omar, Greg Casar and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, explained that Flotilla civilians were at serious risk. “Attacks on global SUMUD FLOTILLA or its civilian crews is a clear and explicit violation of international law. The United States is obligated to protect its citizens from foreign attacks.”
Israel’s threat intensifies
Israel vowed to use all necessary measures to prevent the fleet from reaching Gaza. Last week, the fleet ships were targeting drones armed with Stan-Handed Rena bullets and stimulants in international waters off the coast of Greece.
Italy and Spain deployed naval vessels to support the fleet, but emphasized that they had no intention of being involved in military affairs. Italy urged members of the fleet to consider dropping aid at Cyprus ports to avoid conflict. Flotilla rejected the proposal, saying, “We cannot bring humanitarian demands to break the blockade back to the port.”
Despite official warnings from the Italian government, official sentiment appears to be supportive. Recent polls showed that over 60% of Italians support the fleet’s humanitarian mission to Gaza. Nevertheless, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called for the fleet to halt, but Defense Minister Guido Closett warned that activists could face interception and arrests in international waters.
UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese criticized Italy for abandoning its fleet in a critical “danger zone” near the coast of Gaza, saying “Israel has committed further violations and continues the genocide uninterrupted.”
Global call for protection
The view of the Turkish red crescent moon providing food and medical assistance to the global SUMUD fleet. Photo: Anadoll/Getty Images
Colombian President Gustavo Petro demands “absolute respect for life and integrity” of fleet participants, warning that the attack constitutes “a significant violation of international law and crime against humanity.” Amnesty International also called on the state to ensure safe passage, citing “permanent omissions by the states in the face of Israeli genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.”
Future high-risk missions
Reports from the Israeli Kang Public Broadcasting Station show that Israeli forces are preparing to use naval commanders and warships to seize the fleet. Sources suggest that Israel may not be able to tow all 50 ships to the coast and may be able to sink some at sea. The military intends to detain hundreds of activists on the naval ship to question hundreds of activists before deporting them through Ashdod.
The fleet enters a high-risk zone, reflecting past attempts blocked by Israel in June and July. Observers say the mission is now supporting humanitarian law for the widespread hunger and hunger in Gaza caused by the blockade of Israel after the war in October 2023, and testing the international community’s willingness to respond to starving hunger and starvation.
More than a humanitarian mission, SUMUD Flotilla is a political statement, highlighting the urgent need for critical international action to protect human rights and ensure safe access to Gaza, particularly as Western governments continue to be largely hesitant or divided.