Italian dockworkers have threatened to block the country’s ports if Israeli authorities stop the Global Sumud Fleet that set off towards Gaza.
The spokesman of the dockworkers, speaking in the port of Genoa last week, warned that they would “block all of Europe” if they lost contact with the ships, according to a video released by the union Unione Sindacale di Base (USB).
“Threats from the Israeli minister to the activists of the Global Sumud Fleet are a serious act of intimidation and a confirmation of the criminal nature of the Israeli government. But they also show the concern spreading within Netanyahu’s government about the humanitarian initiative that is mobilizing hundreds of thousands of people around the world and which is gaining intensity by the hour,” the union stated in a release on Monday.
The union expressed readiness to respond with all available means and to protect the fleet.
“If they block the fleet, we block everything!”
“Workers can play a decisive role in influencing the outcome of the situation and embody the widespread mood of support for this brave initiative. By blocking ships and planes that transport weapons to war zones, they have gained a key role and are well positioned to broaden their perspective on rearmament policies and their consequences for our lives,” they stated.
USB additionally emphasized that Israeli threats “will not stop them,” but will motivate them to strengthen the initiative even more.
“With Palestine in our hearts, full speed ahead! If they block the fleet, we block everything!” they added.
On Sunday, Israeli security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir presented a plan to the Israeli government for the fleet, which includes prolonged detention of activists.
Another fleet with activists, among whom was climate activist Greta Thunberg, came near Gaza in June. Israeli forces then seized the ship and deported the activists.
More than 200 activists from 44 countries
The Global Sumud Fleet, which is transporting activists and humanitarian aid for Gaza, sailed out of the port of Barcelona late on Monday, after being forced to return the previous day due to bad weather.
About 200 activists, politicians, and artists from 44 countries sailed from Barcelona on Sunday after a large rally in support of their mission.
Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, Irish actor Liam Cunningham, Spanish actor Eduardo Fernandez, and former mayor of Barcelona Ada Colau are among those participating in the journey.
Organizers state that ships from Italy and Tunisia will also join the fleet, bringing the number to over 500 people and around 60 vessels.
The goal is to reach Gaza by mid-September.
