The “Global Resilience Fleet” has set sail from Barcelona, Spain, aiming to break the blockade imposed by Israel on Gaza. Meanwhile, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has prepared a strategy to take control of the fleet, detain its members for extended periods, and impose strict conditions on them while they are incarcerated.
According to Sky News Arabia, Ben Gvir presented his plan to the Cabinet on Sunday, in the presence of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, as reported by the Jerusalem Post.
Ben Gvir believes that the resilience fleet “will be seen as an attempt to undermine Israel’s sovereignty and support Hamas in Gaza.” He stated, “The proposed plan outlines measures that reinforce Israel’s firm stance in protecting its borders and ensuring national security.”
Among the specifics of the plan, all activists involved in the fleet are to be arrested and detained at the Israeli prison facilities in Ktsiot and Damon, typically used for holding “terrorists,” under stringent conditions usually reserved for security prisoners. The detainees would face long-term confinement and be deprived of privileges such as television, radio, and special food.
Ben Gvir asserted, “We will not allow individuals who support terrorism to live comfortably. They will face the full consequences of their actions.”
Additionally, Ben Gvir suggested that all vessels participating in the fleet be confiscated and repurposed for use by Israeli security forces.
The number of ships involved remains unspecified but is purported to range between 50 and 70, departing from the Catalan port to “open a humanitarian corridor and put an end to the ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people,” according to the organizers of the initiative.
Brazilian activist Thiago Avila told reporters in Barcelona last week, “This will be the largest solidarity mission in history,” noting that it would involve more participants and vessels than any previous attempts to reach Gaza.
Moreover, “dozens” of additional ships are expected to participate, departing from Tunisia and other Mediterranean countries on September 4, alongside demonstrations and “synchronized activities” in 44 countries, as stated by Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, a member of the steering committee for the “Global Resilience Fleet,” on Instagram.
Thunberg, in an interview with AFP on Saturday, indicated that the vessels in this new fleet heading to the Palestinian territory aim “to reach Gaza, deliver humanitarian aid, announce the opening of a humanitarian corridor, and subsequently bring more assistance, thereby ultimately breaking the illegal and inhumane Israeli blockade on Gaza.”
This initiative will see participation from activists across various countries, including European lawmakers and figures such as former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau.