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Danger Zone: Global Sumud Flotilla About 150 Nautical Miles From Gaza
Global Sumud Flotilla approaches Gaza amid increased drone activity and diplomatic tensions. Italian PM warns of risks to peace process as vessels near Israeli naval blockade zone.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, an international convoy of aid boats challenging Israel’s naval blockade, has entered a “high-risk zone,” approximately 120 nautical miles from the Gaza coast, triggering preparations for a potential confrontation with the Israeli Navy.
The organization’s social media channels reported a sharp escalation in activity overnight, confirming that drone surveillance over the vessels has "increased," and citing the area as where "previous flotillas have been attacked and/or intercepted."
Near-Miss Encounter and Interruption
In the early hours of Wednesday, the situation became more volatile when unidentified vessels reportedly approached some flotilla boats with their lights switched off before "promptly le[aving]," according to a post on the flotilla's Instagram page.
The activists, who have begun emergency interception preparations, also reported technical interference. DropSite News stated that CCTV feeds on several boats had been interrupted as the convoy neared the expected zone of Israeli intervention.
Meloni: Mission Risks Derailing Trump Peace Plan
The rising tension comes after Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Tuesday issued a direct public appeal for the flotilla to "stop now," arguing the mission threatens to upend delicate peace efforts.
Meloni explicitly linked the flotilla's mission to the recently proposed US peace plan by President Donald Trump.
"Insisting on a confrontation with Israel could upset the current 'fragile balance' that could lead to peace based on the plan proposed by US President Donald Trump," Meloni stated, warning that "Many would be happy to disrupt" that proposal.
She concluded,
"I fear that the flotilla's attempt to breach the Israeli naval blockade could provide a pretext for this. Also for this reason, I believe the flotilla should stop now."
Shortly after the Prime Minister's call, the Flotilla reported that the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs was set to issue a radio call to participants, offering them the "opportunity" to abandon their vessel. The organization immediately rejected the move, labeling it "sabotage" and vowing to continue their course.
"Italy calls it protection. We call it sabotage," the Flotilla posted in response, reaffirming their intent to breach the blockade.