The Global Sumud Flotilla returned to the spotlight after the joint request from the Foreign Ministers of Italy, Antonio Tajani, and Greece, George Gerapetritis, for the flotilla to halt its voyage to the Gaza Strip and channel humanitarian aid through the Latin Patriarchate in Jerusalem. At the same time, they called on the Israeli authorities to guarantee the safety of all those on board, including European citizens.
The statement was issued as the ships were already sailing within the so-called risk zone. According to the organizers, they faced acts of intimidation there attributed to Israeli forces. Rome and Athens stressed that "at this delicate moment" it is important to avoid actions that could be exploited by actors who reject peace. They did not name specific perpetrators and maintained the focus on crew protection and humanitarian access.
Global Sumud Flotilla: Request for pause and alternative humanitarian channel
The Italian government sent two military vessels for logistical support, although it clarified that they will not enter the exclusion zone established by Israel. According to the organizers, one of these vessels transmitted a final request to suspend the voyage. The Global Sumud Flotilla maintains that its objective is to deliver humanitarian supplies to Gaza and that the itinerary seeks safe routes, although subject to controls and last-minute operational changes.
Italy and Greece proposed channeling the cargo through the Latin Patriarchate, with the idea of speeding up the arrival of aid and reducing risks in the maritime corridor. The Global Sumud Flotilla is evaluating the proposal in parallel with its original plan. Both foreign ministries emphasized that ensuring the safety of the crew and volunteers is a fundamental requirement for any alternative.
Global Sumud Flotilla: Security in the Restricted Zone and Calls for Calm
The ministers reiterated that all humanitarian assistance must meet international standards and be coordinated with actors capable of operating on the ground. Along these lines, they called on Israel to ensure safe transit, considering that the Global Sumud Flotilla has already reported vessel approaches and radio warnings. In the joint document, Rome and Athens insisted that the objective is to protect lives and facilitate the entry of aid without escalating tensions.
For local audiences, the discussion may seem distant, but it has a direct impact on humanitarian logistics and regional diplomacy. In Uruguay, where we tend to approach these issues with a cool head, the interpretation is simple: if there's a channel that allows aid to arrive while also protecting those who transport it, it's worth exploring. The point is to avoid collisions at sea and ensure supplies actually reach where they're needed. Nothing epic: coordination, proper paperwork, and security for all parties.
On the ground, the situation is changing rapidly. The Global Sumud Flotilla stated that it will continue to be in contact with authorities and mediators to define the next steps. Italy and Greece, for their part, will continue to offer logistical assistance outside the exclusion zone. The final request from both governments can be summarized in two lines: avoid incidents and ensure that aid reaches its destination through safe and verifiable means.
For operational purposes, the Global Sumud Flotilla reported that it maintains constant communication via radio and satellite channels, with plans to divert in case weather or security warnings require it. The vessels are operating with declared crew and cargo lists, life jackets and rescue boats, and active AIS systems, according to its organizers. European diplomatic sources indicated that any aid transfer via the Latin Patriarchate will require documentary verification and a chain of custody to ensure traceability of medical supplies and food.
On the legal front, specialists consulted by European foreign ministries emphasize that civilian vessels must respect notices to mariners and exclusion zones, while the states involved have an obligation to preserve life at sea in accordance with international law. With European and Spanish citizens on board, the Global Sumud Flotilla will remain under consular monitoring while discussions on a verifiable humanitarian corridor advance.
