(Adnkronos) – The Global Sumud Flotilla – the group of boats sailing in the Mediterranean towards Gaza – has denounced attacks with “sound bombs, drones and suspected chemical substances” in the early hours of today, Wednesday 24 September, off the island of Crete “600 nautical miles (1,100 kilometers) from Gaza”. “We are witnessing these psychological operations firsthand, right now, but we will not be intimidated,” reads the Instagram profile. “The extremes to which Israel and its allies will go to prolong the horrors of hunger and genocide in Gaza are disgusting. But our determination is stronger than ever,” the message continues. “These tactics will not prevent us from bringing aid to Gaza and breaking the illegal siege. Every attempt to intimidate us only strengthens our commitment. We will not be silenced. We will continue to sail,” it reads.
On social media, a message from Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur for the occupied territories, also appears. “The Global Sumud Flotilla has been attacked 7 times in a short period of time! Boats hit by sound bombs, explosive rockets and suspected chemical substances. Radio transmissions disrupted, calls for help blocked. Immediate international protection actions are needed! Hands off the Flotilla!”, she writes.
Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, on a mission to New York for the UN General Assembly, was informed of the attack. “For their safety, the Farnesina had already made representations to the Israeli authorities so that any operation that may be entrusted to the beloved forces of Jerusalem be conducted respecting international law and a principle of absolute caution. Minister Tajani has asked the embassy in Tel Aviv to gather information and to renew the request already made to the Government of Jerusalem to guarantee the absolute protection of the personnel on board,” reads a note from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
