From the Liveblog of
Sunday, September 28, 2025
Flotilla to Gaza sets sail again, as Italy once more urges aid drop-off instead
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An international flotilla that paused for several days in Greek waters for repairs sets sail again for Gaza, where activists aim to break Israel’s naval blockade and deliver symbolic aid to the war-torn enclave.
Organizers say that Greek vessels have now joined their enterprise, meaning that the flotilla, which counts some 47 civilian boats, is “complete.”
“Brothers and sisters in Gaza, we sail with hope in our hearts. Your resilience is our compass, your struggle is our struggle. Together, we will break the silence of the siege,” the Global Sumud Flotilla writes on social media.
Some 40 Italians are aboard the flotilla alongside activists from dozens of other countries, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg. They hope to bring a small quantity of symbolic humanitarian aid to Gaza in the coming week.
— Global Sumud Flotilla Commentary (@GlobalSumudF) September 28, 2025
Israel has intercepted previous flotillas, which it has described as publicity stunts, and vowed to stop this one from breaching its blockade.
Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani repeats a proposal made last week for the flotilla to take the aid to Cyprus for eventual distribution in Gaza by the Roman Catholic Church. The flotilla has rejected the suggestion.
“We have always said…that it is dangerous to approach Israeli waters. We don’t know what might happen. Forcing the blockade is dangerous,” Tajani tells reporters.
The Times of Israel Community.