Greece Guarantees Safe Passage for Gaza Flotilla in Its Waters

Greece has promised to ensure the safe sailing of boats in its waters that are part of an international flotilla heading to Gaza, its Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis said on Thursday. The announcement comes amid growing tensions over attempts to challenge Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza.

The Global Sumud Flotilla, consisting of about 50 civilian boats, aims to reach Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid and raise international awareness about the crisis in the region. Among those on board are lawyers, activists, and high-profile campaigners, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg.

Minister Gerapetritis told reporters that some boats are currently sailing near the Greek island of Crete. “We will guarantee the safe sailing of these boats,” he said. He added that the Greek government had already informed Israel that Greek citizens are participating in the flotilla. “We will make sure that everything goes well,” he said.

International Reactions

Israel has strongly criticized the flotilla, accusing some activists of having links with Hamas, the militant group in Gaza. The situation became more tense when vessels in international waters were attacked by 12 drones about 30 nautical miles off Gavdos, a small Greek island.

In response, Italy dispatched a navy ship to support the flotilla. Greece, however, said it would not join Italian and Spanish naval efforts at this stage. While downplaying the drone attacks, Minister Gerapetritis stated that a full investigation would be carried out to determine the circumstances of the incident.

Flotilla’s Purpose and Importance

The flotilla’s organizers say the mission is peaceful and aims to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza, who have faced years of blockades, conflicts, and severe shortages of food, medicine, and other essential supplies. Activists emphasize that the voyage is symbolic and a call for international attention to the humanitarian crisis in the region.

Greek authorities have emphasized that their role is to protect citizens and ensure safety while maintaining dialogue with Israel. By guaranteeing safe passage, Athens hopes to prevent any escalation in its waters and ensure the mission proceeds without incident.

Challenges Ahead

The journey to Gaza is complicated by political tensions and security concerns. Israel has repeatedly warned against attempts to break the blockade, and international flotillas have faced challenges in the past, including interceptions at sea and diplomatic pressure.

The Greek government’s commitment to the flotilla highlights its intention to protect its citizens while engaging diplomatically with both the flotilla organizers and Israel. Authorities hope that this measured approach will allow the humanitarian mission to proceed safely while avoiding any serious confrontation.

Disclaimer:
This report is based on statements from Greek officials and media coverage. Gccnews24 has not independently verified all claims and events mentioned.