September 3, 2025 | 07:27 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Dockworkers in Italy have threatened to block the country's ports if Israeli authorities halt the Global Sumud Flotilla en route to Gaza.
A spokesperson for the Italian dockworkers, speaking at a rally in the port of Genoa last weekend, cautioned that if they lose contact with the ships, they will "block all of Europe," according to a video released by the labor union Unione Sindacato di Base (USB) on Tuesday, as reported by Anadolu and Politico.
"The Israeli minister's threats to the Global Sumud Flotilla activists are a serious act of intimidation and a confirmation of the Israeli government's criminal nature. But they also signal the concern spreading within Netanyahu's government over a humanitarian initiative that is mobilizing hundreds of thousands of people around the world and growing in intensity by the hour," the labor union stated in a release.
The labor union expressed its readiness to respond in every way available and to defend the flotilla.
"Workers can play a decisive role in influencing the outcome of the situation and embody a widespread sentiment in support of this courageous initiative. By blocking ships and aircraft carrying weapons to war zones, they have earned a fundamental role and are well-placed to broaden their perspective on rearmament policies and the consequences they have on our lives," the statement continued.
USB further emphasized that the Israeli threat "will not stop" them but instead will drive them to intensify the initiative.
"With Palestine in our hearts, full speed ahead! If they block the Flotilla, we block everything!" they added.
On Sunday, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir presented the plan for the flotilla to the Israeli Cabinet, including detaining activists for long-term imprisonment.
Another flotilla carrying activists such as climate activist Greta Thunberg, which is making the voyage again, arrived near Gaza in June. Israeli forces seized the ship and deported the activists.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, carrying activists and humanitarian aid to Gaza, departed from the port of Barcelona on Monday night after rough weather forced it to return a day earlier.
Approximately 200 activists, politicians, and artists from 44 countries initially set sail from Barcelona on Sunday after massive demonstrations to support their mission.
Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, Irish actor Liam Cunningham, Spanish actor Eduardo Fernandez, and former Mayor of Barcelona Ada Colau were among those participating in the voyage.
Organizers said the fleet will join more ships departing from Italy and Tunisia, totaling more than 500 people and around 60 vessels.
The flotilla hopes to reach Gaza by mid-September.
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