Organisers of a flotilla of boats attempting to break Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza by bringing in humanitarian supplies are expecting imminent further “violent attacks”.
More than 20 Irish citizens are among about 500 people travelling with the Global Sumud Flotilla of 50 boats, which was due to be joined by Italian and Spanish naval vessels after organisers appealed for assistance following night-time drone attacks in the Mediterranean.
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Harris described the situation as “gravely worrying”. He said he had discussions with other countries about the “options” available if Israel does breach international law.
Caitríona Graham (36), an activist originally from Dublin, who is on board one of the boats, said: “What we have heard from a few different governments is that the Israeli government reached out to them and warned of a potential escalation of attacks.”
READ MORE
Flotilla organisers issued a statement to say they had “gathered credible intelligence indicating Israel is likely to direct violent attacks on the flotilla within the next 48 hours – including the use of heavier weapons that could sink boats and/or cause injuries and fatalities”.
Graham said drones had been sighted over the boats on most nights since they set sail and the fleet had been attacked with “explosive devices” early on Wednesday.
“There was this very loud, almost punch to the chest sensation, alongside the bang and the flash,” Graham said.
The Israeli foreign ministry declined to comment on whether it was responsible for drone attacks. “Israel will stop the vessels ... while doing the utmost to protect the passengers,” foreign ministry director general Eden Bar Tal told reporters, claiming the flotilla was “organised by Hamas”.
[ Spanish warship to protect Gaza flotilla carrying Irish and international activists ]
This was rejected by flotilla organisers. “These are recycled lies designed to justify violence before it happens,” steering committee member Yasemin Acar said.
The Italian government announced it would send a second naval ship to protect its citizens on board the flotilla on Thursday after it came under mounting public pressure from a general strike and dock workers who threatened to shut down trade through the port of Genoa.
In an address to parliament, defence minister Guido Crosetto urged flotilla organisers to deliver their aid to Cyprus for onward forwarding to Gaza.
“The climate is worrying and must I say that we are unable to guarantee the safety of vessels outside international waters. I want to be clear about this,” he said.
“Once you enter waters considered Israeli, you are completely out of our control and ability to act.”
Previous flotillas that have attempted to break Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza, declared in 2009, have been intercepted by Israeli forces and their passengers detained and deported.
Chris Andrews, a Sinn Féin senator on board and who was on four previous Gaza flotillas, said his boat suffered “explosions” on the upper deck at 2am on Wednesday and that boat communications were “jammed” and made to play Abba songs.
“It’s really important to stress that this is a completely non-violent, non-aggressive peace mission and it’s about delivering aid,” he said. “We have medical aid. We have baby formula and we have some rice.”
Mr Harris said his officials were in “direct contact” with the Irish people on the flotilla.
“Now, we’ve always made the point, and I’m very supportive of what the people on the flotilla are trying to do, so I don’t say this as any criticism at all, but we’ve always been very clear it’s a very dangerous place to travel to,” he said.
“Having said that, that doesn’t in any way, shape or form, allow anybody breach international law. And Israel has to know, in the strongest possible terms, that any breaches of international law will be taken extraordinarily seriously.”
Mr Harris said he did not wish to say what the response might be but he had “spoken to a few of my counterparts about the various options that could be available to countries if Israel does breach or does take further breaches of international law”.
