Gaza: Britons travelling to Gaza as part of a 52-boat flotilla are ‘under attack,’ a sailor on board has warned. Louie-Joe Findlater said the UK government’s recognition of a Palestinian state is ‘worthless, if they don’t actually take action to protect their citizens’ on the boats. The 33-year-old Briton joined the flotilla in Barcelona, as part of an independent international effort to ‘break the Israeli occupation’s illegal siege on Gaza’, and take humanitarian aid across the Mediterranean.
According to Ghana News Agency, Israel’s Foreign Ministry this week urged flotilla participants to dock at Ashkelon marina in Israel to unload aid, warning that Israeli authorities ‘will not allow vessels to enter an active combat zone, and will not allow the breach of a lawful naval blockade.’ Findlater told the PA news agency on Thursday that sailors and volunteers were ‘on alert’ and said: ‘We’re making all the best decisions we can, but ultimately, we’re a boat floating at sea and we need the protection of our governments to guarantee that we’re going to stay safe.’
The Global Sumud Flotilla reported facing ‘moderate drone activity’ overnight into Thursday, but noted that ‘drones launched explosives and gases on boats’ earlier this week, with objects dropped on at least 10 boats and communications jammed. Findlater described ‘enormous flashes, explosions and loud bangs’ during the attack, but added he had ‘probably not digested’ what he had experienced. Speaking off the coast of Crete, he said: ‘We’re British citizens under attack.’
Findlater emphasized the need for the UK government to take tangible action, stating that recognizing Palestine is insufficient if it does not extend to protecting its citizens involved in humanitarian missions. He expressed concern over their security and the importance of ensuring that aid reaches Gaza, arguing that delivering aid by land has not been a sustainable method due to ongoing disruptions.
Italy has deployed a navy frigate ‘for possible rescue operations,’ according to defence minister Guido Crosetto. The minister stated that demonstrations and forms of protest should be protected when conducted in accordance with international law and without resorting to violence. Meanwhile, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, speaking in New York, demanded compliance with international law and the right of citizens to navigate the Mediterranean safely.
These international responses have ‘changed’ the mood aboard the flotilla, according to Findlater. While he appreciated the camaraderie and spirit among the group, he expressed feeling unprotected by the UK government.