Italy has called on Israel to immediately release the Italian crew members of the Global Sumud Flotilla. That international aid fleet was on its way to Gaza, but was surrounded by the Israeli navy not far from Crete on the night of Wednesday to Thursday. Israel then arrested what it said were 175 people on board. According to the organization itself, 211 passengers were “kidnapped”.
Source: ANP, VRT NWS
According to the organization behind the flotilla, 24 Italians were arrested by Israel somewhere off the coast of Greece.
The Global Sumud Flotilla is an international group of activists who want to break the Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip with small boats. They hope to be able to deliver aid to the Palestinian territories. Israel dismisses it as a “PR stunt.”
The Italian government is now demanding the release of those on board, full respect for international law and guarantees for their physical safety.
Belgians also on board
According to the Global Sumud Flotilla, the crew also included 3 Belgians. “The fact that this could happen almost 1,000 kilometers from Palestine may mean that we are dealing with at least tolerable support from NATO countries and Greece,” Belgian activist Isja Puissant told VRT NWS.
“We are shocked that this absolute piracy is supported.”
“Undisguised piracy” by Israel
According to the country, images released by Israel on Thursday show how the detainees would enjoy themselves during the arrest and the journey to Israel. The organization itself speaks in a press release of “illegal kidnapping” and “undisguised piracy”.
Spain is also speaking out against the arrests, which also include Spaniards. The Israeli interim ambassador in Madrid has been summoned to explain the arrest of Spanish passengers. The Spanish diplomatic mission in Israel is in contact with the flotilla organization.
