Several European countries, including Spain, Portugal, Italy and France, have expressed their great concern after the interception by the Israeli navy of the Global Sumud Flatillaa humanitarian convoy on the way to Gaza. The operation, carried out Wednesday evening in the Mediterranean, led to the arrest of nearly 200 foreign activists including 12 Tunisians.
The flotilla, made up of around fifty ships and more than 500 volunteers from more than 40 countries, carried food and medical aid intended for the population of Gaza and intended to challenge the naval blockade imposed by Israel.
According to the organizers, several boats, including the FloridaTHE Yulara and the Metequewere targeted by aggressive maneuvers of the Israeli navy: sea percussion, shots of water cannons and arrangements. All crew members would be safe and sound, but activists denounce an “active assault” and “illegal attacks” constituting “war crimes”.
Spain summons Israeli representation
In Madrid, the Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs, José Manuel Albares, announced on Thursday the summons of the business manager of the Embassy of Israel, recalling that “passengers were peaceful citizens whose objective was only humanitarian”. He said 65 Spaniards were among the fleeting passengers. Since the recognition of the Palestine State by Spain in May 2024, Israel has no longer had an ambassador stationed in Madrid.
In Lisbon, the Portuguese authorities confirmed the arrest of three of their nationals, including a deputy, and President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa assured that a full consular support would be granted to them.
In Rome, the Italian Minister of Defense, Guido Crosetto, condemned “with the greatest firmness” the array, revealing that he had authorized an Italian naval unit to go to the area for possible rescue operations.
France, like Spain, expressed its concern and exhorted Israel to guarantee the security of its nationals, to respect their consular rights and to allow their rapid return.
