Documents, denials and rising tensions off Gaza
Israel’s allegations
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claim they found evidence of Hamas involvement in funding several flotillas bound for Gaza. In Gaza City, officials recovered documents, including a 2021 letter signed by Ismail Haniyeh, then head of Hamas, supporting the Pcpa (Palestinian Conference of the Diaspora), deemed by Israel as linked to terrorism.
The documents reportedly include names of Hamas officials such as Kashk, alleged owner of vessels used by the Flotilla and considered an operative in Spain.
The Flotilla’s response
Activists of the Global Sumud Flotilla rejected the accusations as “propaganda”. Tony La Piccirella, an Italian on board, stated: “We are 200 miles from Gaza. We won’t stop; we will enter the interception zone and move forward”.
For the activists, the peace plan is nothing but “a sham, a surrender, and a sellout of Palestinian lands to the US and Israel”.
Crosetto’s appeal
Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto launched a final appeal urging activists to consider alternative solutions to deliver humanitarian aid, such as mediation by the Catholic Church Patriarchate. He added that a truce in Gazacould be near thanks to the new US plan.
Italian Navy’s role
The Italian Navy’s frigate Alpino announced its readiness to take on board anyone wishing to leave the Flotilla. The meeting point will be 150 nautical miles off Gaza, where assistance and rescue will be provided.