With dozens of activists from other countries, about 40 Italians are also aboard the flotilla which is traversing towards the territory of Gaza, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg. (AP Photo) An international aid flotilla, which is headed for Gaza and is carrying several people including Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, set sail after pausing for several days in Greek waters for repair. Activists on the flotilla are aiming to challenge Israel’s naval blockade and distribute aid in the Palestinian territory, Reuters reported.
The international aid flotilla’s organisers on Sunday said that Greek vessels had also joined their enterprise which means that the flotilla, which comprises about 47 civilian boats, is now “complete”. The international aid flotilla is being run by Global Sumud Flotilla.
Informing about the development, Global Sumud Flotilla in a post on social media said, “Brothers and sisters in Gaza, we sail with hope in our hearts. Your resilience is our compass, your struggle is our struggle. Together, we will break the silence of the siege.”
— Global Sumud Flotilla Commentary (@GlobalSumudF) September 28, 2025
With dozens of activists from other countries, about 40 Italians are also aboard the flotilla which is traversing towards the territory of Gaza, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg. The activists are hoping to bring aid to Gaza in the coming weeks, however, Israel has issued warnings against any such activity amid the naval blockade in the region.
Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani issued a warning to the flotilla and its activists against venturing into Israeli waters and suggested taking aid to Cyprus for eventual distribution in Gaza by the Roman Catholic Church. However, the Global Sumud Flotilla rejected the suggestions made by the Italian minister.
“We have always said…that it is dangerous to approach Israeli waters. We don’t know what might happen. Forcing the blockade is dangerous,” Tajani told the media.
The flotilla was allegedly struck last week while it was in the international waters off Crete in Greece by drones that were armed with stun grenades and irritants, that caused damage to the boat but no one was harmed in the incident.
(with inputs from Reuters)
