Humanitarian flotilla to Gaza attacked. Polish diplomacy under pressure

On board the Polish vessel is Franciszek Sterczewski, a Polish MP, who told PAP that participants expect a clear statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

– We expect an unambiguous position that the attack constitutes a violation of international law – said Sterczewski, adding that activists also demand protection for the flotilla, or at least for Polish citizens taking part.

Other Polish participants include Omar Faris, president of the Polish-Palestinian Social and Cultural Association, Nina Ptak, head of the Nomada Association, and journalist-activist Ewa Jasiewicz, author of “Podpalić Gazę” (“Ignite Gaza”).

Sterczewski emphasized that despite the attacks, the flotilla will not turn back. The ships are currently near Crete, about six days’ sailing from Gaza. – These attacks only strengthen our determination to break the illegal blockade and deliver humanitarian aid – he said.

Naval response from Italy

Italy’s defense minister Guido Crosetto announced that an Italian Navy frigate has set sail towards the flotilla to provide support if necessary. The Israeli side has also been informed of these plans.

Flotilla organizers have appealed for safe passage to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and stressed that they have repeatedly requested protection for the Polish delegation from Poland’s foreign minister Radosław Sikorski.

A long history of contested blockades

The Global Sumud Flotilla is the latest in a series of initiatives aimed at breaking Israel’s maritime blockade of the Gaza Strip, in place since 2007, when Hamas took power in the enclave. Israel justifies the blockade on security grounds, arguing that it prevents arms and materials from reaching Hamas.

Humanitarian organizations and the UN, however, point out that the blockade has devastating effects on civilians – restricting access to food, medicine, fuel, and materials needed for reconstruction. The nearly two-year war between Israel and Hamas has further deepened the humanitarian crisis, with reports of widespread hunger. Experts emphasize that the amount of aid allowed through by Israel remains insufficient to meet the basic needs of Gaza’s population.

Flotillas attempting to break the blockade have been organized for over a decade. The most notorious incident occurred in 2010, when Israeli commandos stormed the Turkish vessel Mavi Marmara, leaving 10 activists dead. The raid triggered a major diplomatic rift between Israel and Turkey and continues to serve as a reference point in debates on the legality of the blockade.

Risks for shipping and maritime law

The flotilla situation again highlights pressing concerns about maritime security in the Eastern Mediterranean. Drone strikes against civilian vessels and the involvement of naval forces raise significant challenges for the law of the sea, particularly in operations outside territorial waters. Industry experts stress that such humanitarian missions effectively serve as a litmus test for the effectiveness of international maritime law, including freedom of navigation and the protection of civilian ships at sea.