300 miles away from Gaza, 530 activists—including 40 Italians—sail to break the Israeli naval blockade
The Mission and Its Goals
The Gaza Sumud Flotilla has crossed the point of no return. “We are 300 miles from the Strip, in two days we will enter the interception zone and in three days we’ll be in Gaza,” explained Tony Lapiccirella, one of the Italians on board.
The initiative, with 530 international activists including 40 Italians, is designed as a non-violent action to break the blockade and open a humanitarian channel for Palestinians.
No Alternative Plans
The activists firmly stated they never considered stopping in Cyprus or changing course. “Our destination is Gaza—there are no alternatives. Stopping would mean betraying our mission.”
Risk of Confrontation with Israel
According to Lapiccirella, the greatest threat remains Israeli military action, already carried out in past flotilla incidents. “What worries us most is that governments allow Israel to go beyond international law without consequences.”
Mattarella’s Appeal for Diplomacy
Italian President Sergio Mattarella had urged activists to accept diplomatic mediation, hoping to reduce the risk of confrontation. Yet the flotilla insists: the only way to make the Palestinian cause visible and open humanitarian access is to reach Gaza directly.