Spain urges Gaza flotilla to halt voyage

The Spanish government has issued an urgent demand for the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) to halt its voyage to Gaza, citing acute safety risks as the civilian convoy approaches the ‘Israeli’ naval blockade zone.

Read more: 20+ “unidentified vessels” approach Sumud Flotilla: organizers

Madrid stated it respects the humanitarian mission’s intent but "strongly recommends" that the approximately 50-vessel flotilla not attempt to breach the ‘Israeli’-enforced zone.

Government sources confirmed the advice "effectively amount[s] to a request to end the protest voyage," stressing that "the lives of its members must come first".

The Spanish patrol ship Furor remains in the area for potential "rescue and assistance" operations, but officials have stressed it "would not be permitted to breach the blockade" under any circumstances.

Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni issued a similar appeal, urging the activists to halt their mission and return home.

Flotilla organizers have rejected the warnings, confirming the convoy "sails onward".

The group, which includes participants from dozens of countries, views its primary mission as challenging the siege itself, not merely delivering the "largely symbolic" amount of aid.

‘Israel's’ Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has demanded the ships divert their cargo via the ports of Ashkelon or Cyprus.

The ‘Israeli’ military has vowed to stop the flotilla, which it claims is attempting to breach a lawful naval blockade. The impending confrontation recalls the deadly 2010 raid on the Mavi Marmara ship, where 10 activists were killed by ‘Israeli’ commandos in international waters.