After activists reported unidentified vessels near a Gaza-bound aid flotilla in international waters, UN Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories Francesca Albanese urged Mediterranean countries to protect the convoy and called for an end to Israel's blockade and execution of Palestinian prisoners.
FILE: UN Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories Francesca Albanese attends a news conference in Geneva. / Reuters UN Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories Francesca Albanese urged Mediterranean countries on Monday to protect a Gaza -bound aid flotilla after activists reported unidentified vessels near their convoy in international waters.
“Hands off the Flotilla,” Albanese wrote on X, calling on Mediterranean states to “protect the civilian vessels that are trying to break Israel’s genocidal siege on Gaza. ” She also urged governments to “break the siege,” “end complicity with Apartheid” and “make justice happen. ” Albanese made the remarks while reposting a message from the Global Sumud Flotilla, which said: “Unidentified vessels have been spotted near our fleet.
” In its alert posted on Sunday evening, the flotilla said unidentified naval vessels, speedboats and drones were detected near the convoy in international waters in the Mediterranean as the aid mission continued toward Gaza. Israeli law permitting execution of Palestinian prisoners comes into force in West BankIsraeli law permitting execution of Palestinian prisoners comes into force in West BankThe Global Sumud Flotilla 2026 Spring Mission, aimed at breaking Israel’s blockade of Gaza and delivering vital humanitarian aid, was intercepted by the Israeli army off the coast of Crete between April 29 and April 30.
The flotilla's first ships, carrying humanitarian aid, left Barcelona on April 12, while the main fleet set sail from the Italian island of Sicily on April 26, aiming to break Israel's years-long blockade. Israel has imposed a crippling blockade on Gaza since 2007, leaving the territory’s 2.4 million people on the verge of starvation.
The Israeli army launched a brutal two-year offensive on Gaza in October 2023, killing more than 72,000 people, injuring over 172,000 and causing massive destruction across the besieged territory. Global Sumud Flotilla spots drone and unidentified vessels as Gaza land convoy stalls near SirteGlobal Sumud Flotilla spots drone and unidentified vessels as Gaza land convoy stalls near SirteTrump calls for primary challenger against Lauren Boebert over Massie supportIran confirms squad heading to Türkiye for 2026 World Cup preparations
Please follow us on Google to support us Mediterranean Gaza Aid Flotilla Francesca Albanese Israeli Blockade Palestinian Prisoners
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Israeli forces kill Palestinian man in JeninThe Palestinian Health Ministry identified the victim as 34-year-old Nour al-Din Fayyad.
Read more »
Palestinian activist Ramy Shaath says France is seeking to deport himPalestinian activist Ramy Shaath says French authorities are seeking to deport him on the grounds that he is a threat to public security.
Read more »
London police arrest dozens during right-wing and pro-Palestinian protestsThe Metropolitan Police said roughly 4,000 officers were deployed to handle the day of rival protests in an 'unprecedented' operation.
Read more »
UN Rapporteur accuses Israel of systematic torture against PalestiniansUN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese asserts that Israel uses systematic torture and sexual violence against Palestinian detainees and the wider population.
Read more »