Israel Argues Humanitarian Flotilla Linked to Palestinian Resistance
On October 1, 2025, Israeli officials intensified their rhetoric around the Global Sumud Flotilla, an international humanitarian mission aiming to deliver aid to Palestinians in Gaza. Israel’s ambassador to Spain, Dana Erlich, has asserted that the initiative is connected to Hamas, further fueling concerns about a potential Israeli military response, reports 24brussels.
Erlich attempted to undermine the Flotilla’s legitimacy in a recent interview, falsely claiming it strays from its humanitarian purpose. “The GSF volunteers would be at no risk if they had not gone to sea promoting an initiative that we know has nothing to do with humanitarian assistance,” she stated. Citing alleged evidence from the Israeli government, she warned Spanish supporters against risking their lives for a movement she labeled as non-pacifist and tied to terrorist organizations.
The Israeli government maintains that the Flotilla poses a significant challenge to its security, asserting that “Israel, like any sovereign country, will protect itself from any threat.” Military leaders confirmed plans to intercept the Flotilla, describing the ongoing maritime blockade as legal. Israel’s narrative includes claims of documents linking the Flotilla to Hamas, purportedly discovered in Gaza.
Criticism of Israel’s stance came from various international figures. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez emphasized that the Global Sumud Flotilla is a humanitarian mission and urged Israel to allow its passage without interference. Moreover, Colombian President Gustavo Petro stated that any aggression from Israel towards the civilian, humanitarian flotilla would represent a grave violation of international law.”/p>
The Flotilla, comprising over 50 vessels and activists from 44 countries, aims to breach the blockade of Gaza and deliver essential supplies. Organized by multiple groups, including the Freedom Flotilla Coalition and the Global Movement to Gaza, the initiative was inspired by the concept of “ṣumūd,” meaning ‘steadfastness’ or ‘resilience’ in Arabic.
Despite the tensions, the mission proceeds, as activists work to highlight the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and counter what they describe as unjust restrictions imposed by Israel.
