Activists on a flotilla of vessels carrying humanitarian aid drew closer to the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, even as several European leaders urged them to turn back to avoid a confrontation with Israel’s military.
The Italian and Greek foreign ministers asked Israel to ensure the safety and security of the flotilla. In a joint statement, they also urged the activists to hand over the aid to the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, which would deliver it to Gaza.
The flotilla was less than 145 nautical miles from Gaza on Wednesday, off the coast of Egypt, according to the group’s online tracker. The organizers said they were determined to continue sailing despite the risk.
The Israeli authorities have called on the flotilla to deliver the goods to Israel for transfer to Gaza, a proposal the activists have rejected.
Who is on the flotilla?
The boats are part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, the name for a group of activists protesting Israel’s war in Gaza. Their a mission is to deliver food during the humanitarian crisis there.
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