Israeli minister threatens to designate Gaza-bound Sumud Flotilla activists as terrorists

The Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla has strongly rejected far-right Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's baseless threats to designate activists as terrorists and confiscate the boats.

In a statement, the flotilla described the remarks as “groundless threats” and reaffirmed that its mission was “humanitarian, lawful, and unstoppable.” The statement said the ships are now on their way to Tunisia, where they will be joined by more vessels before proceeding towards Gaza with essential humanitarian aid.

Reacting to Ben-Gvir’s remarks, the flotilla said it would not be intimidated, stressing that attempts to label its members as terrorists and confiscate the boats were a violation of international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions.

“Our mission is humanitarian, lawful, and unstoppable,” the statement read, adding that Ben-Gvir’s threats were an attempt to frighten participants and misrepresent their cause.

The flotilla further said Israel has “long weaponised” such tactics against Palestinians by criminalising and dehumanizing them, and noted that similar strategies have been deployed against civilians, journalists, medical workers, and international activists critical of Israel’s policies.

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It underlined that the Global Sumud Flotilla remains united in its mission to deliver food, water, and medical supplies to Palestinians facing “a catastrophic genocide, famine, and spiraling health crisis under Israel’s illegal siege of Gaza.”

According to official figures, at least 64,231 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed in Gaza since October 7, 2023, while more than 161,583 others have been injured in Israeli attacks.

The flotilla called on the United Nations, the international community, and governments worldwide to back its efforts and guarantee safe passage to Gaza.

The convoy set sail from Barcelona on Sunday but had to return due to bad weather. It resumed its journey on Monday, carrying around 200 passengers, including activists, politicians, and artists from 44 countries.

Among those on board are Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, Irish actor Liam Cunningham, Spanish actor Eduardo Fernández, and former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau.