Global Sumud Flotilla accuses Italy of sabotage, vows to sail on
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The Global Sumud Flotilla announced the departure of its ship Al-Damir from Otranto, Italy, carrying doctors and journalists toward Gaza, despite pressure from the Italian navy and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
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Ships that are part of the Global Sumud Flotilla heading to Gaza are anchored off the coast of of Sidi Bou Saïd in Tunis, Tunisia, Tuesday, September 9, 2025 (AP Photo/Anis Mili)
The Global Sumud Flotilla released a statement declaring that the Italian navy is attempting to sabotage their goal of breaking the siege, preventing humanitarian aid from entering Gaza.
"The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has informed that its naval frigate will soon issue a radio call, offering participants the 'opportunity' to abandon ship and return to shore before reaching the co-called 'critical zone'" the statement read.
The Global Sumud Flotilla's media centre added, "Let us be absolutely clear: this is not protection. It is sabotage. It is an attempt to demoralize and fracture a peaceful humanitarian mission that governments have failed to take on themselves, even though it is their silence and complicity that led to this point."
The statement further stated that if Rome truly wanted to protect lives, "it would not be acting as 'Israel's' enabler, nor pressuring civilians to retreat," but would instead use its naval fleet to ensure the safe passage of the flotilla and aid the volunteers in delivering life-saving aid to Gaza.
"Instead, it escorts us only to the point of danger, peeling us away while 'Israel' continues to slaughter and starve the Palestinian people with impunity," they added.
The group states that "the flotilla sails onward," adding that they will not fall back on their moral responsibility.
"Every nautical mile we sail, every threat we face, only underscores what governments have failed to do and what ordinary citizens are now compelled to do, and doing," they ended the statement.
Read more: Italy's defense minister slams Netanyahu govt, says it must be stopped
Ship Al-Damir moves on despite threats
The Global Sumud Flotilla announced Tuesday that its ship Al-Damir, carrying international doctors and journalists, has departed from the port of Otranto, Italy, toward Gaza, despite efforts by the Italian navy to obstruct the humanitarian mission.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni urged the flotilla to halt its journey, claiming that continuing “may pose an obstacle to the path of peace.” Earlier, the Italian navy withdrew from escorting the flotilla.
According to flotilla organizers, Italy’s Foreign Ministry notified them that the naval frigate monitoring the mission would soon issue a radio call offering participants the “opportunity” to disembark and return to shore before reaching what authorities described as the “critical zone.”
The flotilla dismissed this as a deliberate attempt to sabotage their mission. “This is cowardice disguised as false diplomacy,” the organizers said in a statement, accusing Italy of trying to divide and discourage a peaceful humanitarian effort.
Flotilla rejects pressure and denounces blockade
The statement emphasized that all participants are aware of the risks and remain committed to their mission. Organizers asserted that the Italian navy would not derail the effort, stressing that “Israel’s blockade is illegal, and the world’s silence is no longer bearable.”
They added that if Italy were serious about saving lives, it would use its navy to guarantee safe passage, uphold international law, and deliver life-saving aid, rather than pressuring civilians to withdraw.
The flotilla called on the Italian government to “sail with the flotilla” if it seeks to be remembered with courage.
Read more: Meloni calls Gaza flotilla 'irresponsible' as activists report attack
