UNITED NATIONS, Sept 25 (Reuters) – Greece will ensure the safe passage of boats currently in its waters that are part of an international flotilla headed to Gaza, Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis said on Thursday. He added that Athens has formally notified Israel of the presence of Greek citizens on board.
The Global Sumud Flotilla comprises around 50 civilian vessels seeking to challenge Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza. The convoy carries lawyers, activists, and public figures, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg.
“There are a small number of boats currently in the waters of Crete, and we will guarantee their safe sailing,” Gerapetritis told Reuters on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly. “We have already informed the Israeli government about the participation of Greek citizens, and we will make sure that everything goes well.”
Israel has repeatedly condemned the flotilla, alleging that participants are cooperating with Hamas.
Earlier this week, Italy dispatched a navy vessel to assist the flotilla after its ships came under attack by 12 drones in international waters, about 30 nautical miles (56 km) off the Greek island of Gavdos.
While stressing that Athens has no plans to join Italian and Spanish naval deployments at this stage, Gerapetritis said Greece is closely monitoring developments.
“At the moment, it seems that it is safe, but we are on full alert about it,” he said, noting that a full inquiry would be conducted into the drone incident.
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