Greece Guarantees Protection for the GSF

In a significant gesture, the Greek government has committed to ensuring the safe passage of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) within its maritime territory.

On September 25th, Greece's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Giorgos Gerapetritis, stated that his country would guarantee the flotilla's safe navigation in its waters, highlighting the presence of a naval vessel in port for this mission. This announcement comes after the humanitarian vessels were attacked by twelve drones in international waters, 30 nautical miles from the Greek island of Gavdos—an incident that Gerapetritis downplayed but promised to investigate thoroughly.

The flotilla, comprised of an international coalition of around fifty ships is headed for Gaza with humanitarian aid. Despite suffering a setback with the mechanical failure of one of its main vessels, the "Family Boat," activists have redistributed their efforts. Under the principle of "Sumud," or perseverance, the mission continues its journey.

Meanwhile, security in international waters relies on external support. Italy has already deployed two warships to protect its citizens, and Spain has announced similar measures to escort the flotilla. Both nations offer to rescue flotilla participants in case of an emergency but do not propose accompanying it all the way to the coast of Gaza. For its part, Greece has clarified that it does not currently plan to join this joint military escort beyond its own waters, describing the current situation as "safe" but maintaining a state of high alert.

This support is an important, though not decisive, gesture in a high-tension context. The GSF, with hundreds of participants from 44 countries, is sailing on a peaceful mission to break the blockade and deliver a message of solidarity with the Palestinian people.