Gaza flotilla slams Ben-Gvir's 'baseless threats' against participants

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News websites
5 Sep 2025 23:43
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The Global Sumud Flotilla has vowed to continue its Gaza-bound mission, carrying humanitarian aid to break the siege.

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The Global Sumud Flotilla sets sail from Barcelona toward Gaza, in Barcelona, Spain, on August 31, 2025 (NurPhoto via AFP)

The Global Sumud Flotilla has denounced threats made by far-right Israeli Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, describing them as “baseless” and aimed at intimidating activists preparing to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The flotilla strongly condemned Ben-Gvir's threats made "in an attempt to intimidate our participants and falsely brand them as terrorists,” the coalition said in a statement Thursday.

The far-right police minister had announced plans to designate Global Sumud Flotilla activists as "terrorists" and seize boats.

"Our mission is humanitarian, lawful, and unstoppable," the coalition asserted.

Organizers stressed that such rhetoric violates international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions, reaffirming their determination to continue their mission despite Israeli aggression.

The statement added that "Israel" has "long weaponized such tactics" and used them against the "Palestinian people—criminalizing, brutalizing, and dehumanizing them."

"This latest attempt to intimidate our coalition is a continuation of the similar violent strategy used against Palestinian civilians, journalists, medics, and international activists who dare to stand against apartheid and genocide," said the Flotilla.

The statement added that the Global Sumud Flotilla stands united in its humanitarian mission to deliver urgently needed food, water, and medical supplies to the Palestinian people, "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 all governments to stand firmly with them and guarantee the flotilla's safe passage into Gaza.

Gaza-bound boats carry international activists, aid

The flotilla set sail from Barcelona earlier this week, carrying around 200 activists, politicians, and artists from 44 countries. The fleet is scheduled to depart Tunisia on Sunday on its way to Gaza, aiming to deliver humanitarian aid and challenge the ongoing Gaza siege.

Organizers emphasized that they would not be deterred by “false accusations” or “political intimidation," pledging to stand in solidarity with the people of Palestine.

The initiative comes as Gaza faces devastation from a relentless Israeli military campaign. More than 64,300 Palestinians have been killed, while the enclave endures famine and total destruction of infrastructure.

The Global Sumud Flotilla aims to highlight the humanitarian crisis and call for an end to the blockade, which has left Gaza’s population deprived of basic necessities for years.