Sumud Flotilla vows to continue Gaza mission despite Ben-Gvir’s threats

The Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla on Thursday denounced 'Israeli' National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s recent threats to label its activists as terrorists and seize their vessels, calling the warnings “baseless” and reaffirming that the mission is “humanitarian, lawful, and unstoppable.”

In a statement, the flotilla said it plans to reach Tunisia, where additional ships will join the mission before continuing to deliver critical aid to Gaza.

Responding to Ben-Gvir’s statements, the flotilla emphasized, “Our mission is humanitarian, lawful, and unstoppable. To that end, the Global Sumud Flotilla strongly condemns the threats by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir in an attempt to intimidate our participants and falsely brand them as 'terrorists.'”

The statement accused 'Israel' of violating international law, describing the threats as “not only baseless and unjust but also a blatant violation of international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions.”

The flotilla further highlighted that “Israel's colonial-settler occupation has long weaponized such tactics against the Palestinian people, criminalizing, brutalizing, and dehumanizing them.” They said the current threats mirror a broader strategy historically used against civilians, journalists, medics, and international activists opposing what they described as “apartheid and genocide.”

The coalition affirmed its commitment to delivering urgently needed food, water, and medical supplies to Palestinians, “enduring a catastrophic genocide, famine, and spiraling health crisis caused by Israel's illegal siege on Gaza.” They also called on the international community, the UN, and governments worldwide to ensure the flotilla’s safe passage.

The Global Sumud Flotilla departed Barcelona late Monday after being forced to return due to bad weather the previous day. The mission includes around 200 activists, politicians, and artists from 44 countries. Among the participants are Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, Irish actor Liam Cunningham, Spanish actor Eduardo Fernandez, and former Barcelona Mayor Ada Colau.