MEPs join 'biggest humanitarian flotilla in history' 

MEPs from The Left and national representatives of member parties are joining the Global Sumud Flotilla to break what they allege is "the illegal siege and starvation of Gaza”.

The flotilla is described as the largest maritime humanitarian mission in history. 

Greens/EFA MEP Benedetta Scuderi will board the Global Sumud Flotilla heading to Gaza from Sicily on Sunday (7 September).

Dozens of boats have set sail to "break the siege on Gaza" and  create a humanitarian corridor.

Scuderi said, “I have decided to board the Global Sumud Flotilla because I feel it is my duty to do so as an MEP, as an activist, but mostly as a human being. Being part of a collective act of courage is something I feel is necessary to counter the inaction of the institutions.

“Most of us feel completely powerless while witnessing the ever-increasing evidence of genocide as it unfolds in front of our eyes. The Global Sumud Flotilla will be one of the largest humanitarian missions ever and will attempt to break Israel's siege and create a humanitarian corridor by sea to give respite to a population exhausted by bombs, hunger and thirst. When the global community takes action, governments must face up to their responsibilities and act.”

She is joined by another MEP, Emma Fourreau (La France Insoumise, France) who is on board the flotilla for the second time.

In late July, Fourreau was detained by the IDF in international waters for, she says, attempting to "bring aid to the people of Gaza to alleviate Israel’s man-made famine."

Meanwhile, the Chair of the European Parliament’s delegation for relations with Palestine, MEP Lynn Boylan (Sinn Féin, Ireland) is joining an independent legal observer ship, with a crew of legal experts and lawmakers, to document and monitor what are claimed to be suspected breaches of international law in international waters. 

Speaking from the flotilla, Fourreau said: “We have made the promise that we will send as many ships as necessary to break the illegal blockade imposed by Israel on Gaza. 

"This international initiative is the largest humanitarian flotilla in history. It holds governments to account: do they support the genocidal war criminal Netanyahu, or the peoples of the world who are rising in support of Palestine? Citizens are putting their lives on the line in an attempt to stop this genocide. Our duty is to stand by them and protect them as much as possible.”

Lynn Boylan added, "In recent months, Israel has twice illegally intercepted ships in international waters who were attempting to deliver aid to the starving people of Gaza.

“I am travelling on board an independent legal observer boat to document any breaches of international law and to ensure that the flotilla can do its crucial humanitarian work unimpeded. 

"We are at a point now where Israel's illegal blockade has caused famine in Gaza and world powers seem content to stand by while children starve and Israel carries out genocide against the people of Gaza. 

"The flotilla is a powerful reminder that ordinary people will not stand by while children are starved and bombed and will seek to uphold international law when their own countries fail to do so."

Left parties from France, Ireland, Spain, Portugal and Greece are represented on the flotilla, with more expected to join in the coming days. 

MEPs will, next week, debate with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas on Gaza, combatting famine, the release of hostages, and moving towards a two-state solution, with vote on an accompanying resolution.

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