Countries warn: Israel preparing to strike Sumud fleet

In a post on X, the Sumud Fleet stated: “Several countries have warned their citizens participating in the Global Sumud Fleet about an imminent Israeli attack.”

The message continued: “It has been decided that the Sumud Fleet ships will pass through Greek territorial waters to reduce the risk of Israeli attacks on our participants.”

Meanwhile, Al-Mayadeen reported, citing the Sumud Fleet, that due to technical issues on some vessels, the fleet has taken shelter in Sicily, and organizers have called for public support for the Sumud Fleet.

The Sumud Fleet departed Wednesday night in Greek territorial waters and is expected to enter international waters within a few hours.

Italy’s Defense Minister stated: “We will send a second frigate to escort this fleet heading to Gaza.”

Referring to the safety of Italian citizens aboard the fleet entering Israeli territorial waters, he added: “Our goal is to ensure that the aid carried by the Sumud Fleet reaches Gaza safely.”

The Italian Defense Minister emphasized: “We do not intend to deploy combat ships. Our presence near the Gaza aid fleet is solely to protect Italian citizens.”

Earlier, the Sumud Fleet reported that it had been targeted by Israeli drone attacks.

In a message on X, the fleet stated: “Currently, three drones are flying over the ship Omar Al-Mukhtar, which is joining the Sumud Fleet alone to break the Gaza blockade. It is carrying a mobile medical clinic.”