From Barcelona, Spain, the “Global Solidarity Fleet” has set sail in an effort to break the blockade imposed by Israel on Gaza. In response, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has prepared a strategy to seize control of the fleet and detain its participants for extended periods under restrictive conditions.
According to Sky News Arabia, on Sunday, Ben-Gvir presented his plan to the Cabinet, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, Foreign Minister Gidon Sa’ar, and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer in attendance, as reported by the Jerusalem Post.
Ben-Gvir views the solidarity fleet as an attempt to undermine Israel’s sovereignty and provide support to Hamas in Gaza. He stated, “The proposed plan outlines measures that reinforce Israel’s firm stance on protecting its borders and ensuring national security.”
Among the plan’s specifics is the arrest and detention of all activists associated with the fleet at the Israeli prisons of Ketziot and Damon, which are usually reserved for holding “terrorists.” The activists would face stringent conditions typically designated for security prisoners, be held for extended durations, and be denied privileges such as access to television, radio, and special food.
Ben-Gvir noted, “We will not allow individuals who support terrorism to live in comfort. They will face the full consequences of their actions.”
Furthermore, he proposed the confiscation of all vessels involved in the fleet, with intentions to repurpose them for Israeli security operations.
The number of vessels departing from the Catalan port remains unspecified but is estimated to range between 50 and 70. According to the organizers, the objective is to “open a humanitarian corridor and put an end to the ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people.”
Brazilian activist Thiago Avila stated to reporters in Barcelona last week, “This will be the largest solidarity mission in history,” emphasizing that the number of participants and vessels exceeds previous attempts to reach Gaza.
The initiative plans to include “dozens” of additional ships launching from Tunisia and other Mediterranean countries starting September 4, as well as demonstrations and “simultaneous activities” taking place in 44 nations, according to Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, a member of the steering committee for the “Global Solidarity Fleet.”
In an interview with Agence France-Presse on Saturday, Thunberg explained that the ships in the current fleet heading to the Palestinian territory aim “to reach Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid while also announcing the opening of a humanitarian corridor, thereby breaking the illegal and inhumane Israeli blockade of Gaza permanently.”
This initiative will involve activists from various countries, alongside European lawmakers and public figures, including former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau.