The “Soumoud” world flotilla, committed to breaking the blockade imposed in Gaza, is gradually approaching the Palestinian coast. Carrying medical, food and humanitarian cargoes, it is now 200 sea miles from the city, according to the organizers.
In a declaration relayed on Facebook, the activist Wael Naouar, member of the organizing committee of the “Maghreb flotilla”, confirmed that the expedition is progressing towards Gaza. The objective: to send an emergency aid to the inhabitants of the enclave, while drawing international attention to the living conditions imposed by the blockade.
The international committee to break the Gaza blockade reiterated its support for the operation and called on Turkish, Italian and Spanish governments to maintain their support. According to the same source, Turkey has facilitated the sending of additional aid via the Red Crescent, while Italy deployed a military ship to escort the flotilla towards Gaza.
In the background: a blockade denounced
In their press release, the organizers denounce the crimes committed in Gaza and the international complicities which allow their continuation. They emphasize that the flotilla is not only a humanitarian assistance operation, but also a political act aimed at ending the blockade, exposing violations of international law and recalling the law of Palestinians to dignity and self -determination.
Imposed since 2007, the blockade of Gaza is regularly denounced by the NGOs and by the United Nations, which consider it as a collective punishment. Several international fleets have tried in recent years to break it, aroused diplomatic tensions and military interventions. The “Soumoud” initiative is part of this continuity, with the ambition to combine humanitarian action and political advocacy.
