Boats Set Off Italy’s Sicily to Break Gaza Siege
(MENAFN) A fleet of boats, part of the Gaza-bound Global Sumud humanitarian aid flotilla, began its journey Thursday from the Sicilian island of Italy. The vessels, draped in Palestinian flags, set sail from various ports on Sicily's eastern coast, with key departures from cities like Catania and Augusta. The boats made a brief stop in Syracuse, a southern Sicilian city, where they were met by chanting pro-Palestine supporters on the shore, calling for a "Free Palestine."
Among those on board are several prominent political figures, including Arturo Scotto, a Democratic Party deputy; Annalisa Corrado, a member of the European Parliament; Marco Croatti, a senator from the Five Star Movement (M5S); and Benedetta Scuderi, also an MEP from the Green–Left Alliance.
Earlier Thursday, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani confirmed that he had spoken with his Israeli counterpart, Gideon Saar, to ensure diplomatic and consular support for the 58 Italian citizens involved in the flotilla.
The boats, now in the Mediterranean, are expected to link up with additional vessels coming from Spain and Tunisia before continuing their voyage to Gaza. Early Thursday, some boats departed from Sidi Bou Said and Bizerte in Tunisia, with the full convoy scheduled to depart on Friday in an attempt to breach Israel's blockade of the Gaza Strip.
The flotilla, which comprises about 36 vessels, is the largest of its kind, carrying between 500 and 700 activists from over 40 countries. Previous aid attempts involved individual ships, many of which were intercepted by Israel at sea. Organizers of the Global Sumud flotilla, however, are determined to break the blockade and deliver vital humanitarian supplies to the Palestinians in Gaza, where famine has become widespread due to Israel’s ongoing blockade.
A report from the UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), issued on August 22, confirmed that famine conditions have taken root in northern Gaza, with a warning that they may spread if the blockade persists.
Since the beginning of Israel’s military offensive in October 2023, more than 64,700 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza. The region’s infrastructure has been obliterated, leaving it in dire conditions. In response to the devastation, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, charging them with war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Israel is also under investigation by the International Court of Justice for genocide, in connection with its ongoing military actions in the Gaza Strip.
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