Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis has said Athens will guarantee the safe sailing of vessels from the Global Sumud Flotilla currently located near Crete.
The flotilla, made up of around 50 civilian boats carrying lawyers, activists and high-profile figures such as Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, is attempting to break Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza.
Speaking to Reuters on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Gerapetritis confirmed that Greece had informed Israel about the participation of Greek nationals on board.
“There are a small number of boats currently in the waters of Crete, and we will guarantee the safe sailing,” he said. “We have already informed the Israeli government about the participation of Greek citizens in this, and we will make sure that everything goes well.”
The flotilla has already come under attack from 12 drones in international waters near the island of Gavdos, prompting Italy to send a naval ship to assist. Spain has also deployed naval support, though Greece has so far opted not to join.
While downplaying the severity of the drone incident, Gerapetritis stressed that Athens would carry out a full inquiry. “At the moment, it seems that it is safe, but we are on full alert about it,” he said.
Israel has condemned the flotilla, accusing participants of aligning themselves with Hamas, a charge the organisers reject.
Source: Reuters
