A coalition of artists and prominent figures has urged the French and Belgian governments on Saturday to provide “diplomatic protection” for an international fleet heading to Gaza, which claims to have been attacked by drones.
In a letter published in the French weekly “Nouvel Observateur,” over 140 artists, content creators, writers, and journalists called for swift action from both nations to facilitate humanitarian aid to Gaza and to halt the ongoing atrocities against the Palestinian people.
The signatories requested “diplomatic and consular protection for the ships carrying French and Belgian citizens.”
The “Freedom Fleet” departed from Barcelona, Spain, in early September, loaded with humanitarian supplies and featuring prominent environmental activist Greta Thunberg among its participants.
The organizers have reported that the vessels involved have been targeted in multiple drone attacks, with allegations pointing towards Israel as the instigator.
This escalation of conflict in the Gaza Strip followed a Hamas attack in southern Israel on October 7, 2023.
The stringent blockade imposed by Israel on the Palestinian territory since March, which was partially alleviated in late May, has led to a severe shortage of food, medicine, and fuel. The United Nations declared a famine in Gaza in August.
The group emphasized that “16 countries, including Spain and Ireland, have provided diplomatic protection for their citizens” participating in this initiative, while “Italy and Spain have sent military vessels to ensure the fleet’s safety.” However, they noted that “the French president and the Belgian prime minister have remained silent regarding the fate of their citizens.”
They underscored that “international law obligates France, Belgium, and all nations to protect civilians in conflict zones and to allow humanitarian aid access.”
The fleet comprises “more than 50 boats and hundreds of individuals, including 54 French nationals and 15 Belgians,” consisting of “artists, activists, humanitarian workers, doctors, and officials from over 45 countries,” as noted in the statement.