Polish MP Franciszek Sterczewski is preparing to join a humanitarian flotilla to Gaza, marking the first Polish delegation to participate in the Global Sumud Flotilla. The mission seeks to expose Israel’s role in the humanitarian disaster and demand an end to the blockade.
A Challenging Mission
Sterczewski stated, “This will be a difficult mission, but our minimal goal is to demonstrate the truth that, contrary to Benjamin Netanyahu’s lies and the UN’s silence, it is Israel that is responsible for starving Palestinians.” He called on EU and U.S. governments to end the war and initiate peace talks respecting Palestinian rights. The previous vessel attempting the mission was illegally intercepted by Israeli forces, he added.
A Massive International Effort
“This time, we are sailing with dozens of boats from 44 countries. It will be a powerful global solidarity effort for human rights protection,” Sterczewski emphasized. He reiterated that the “Palestinian genocide in Gaza has lasted months,” noting that 83% of the dead are civilians, including around 20,000 children. Israel has bombed hospitals, schools, and homes, he said, comparing Gaza’s destruction to post-World War II Warsaw.
Global Movement to Gaza
Organizers of the Global Movement to Gaza previously stated the mission aims to “break the illegal blockade of Gaza and deliver aid to those suffering from famine and humanitarian catastrophe.” The Polish delegation sent letters to the president, Sejm and Senate marshals, and the prime minister, urging support for the mission and diplomatic steps to “end the siege of Gaza” and “ensure full protection and consular support for Polish participants.” Other participants include Palestinian activist Omar Faris, linked to Poland. In June, the vessel Madleen sailed to Gaza with 12 people, including Greenpeace activist Greta Thunberg, but was seized by Israeli forces. Similar blockade-breaking attempts have occurred for years, with nearly 40 such missions completed.
Source: Gazeta, https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/Koalicja-Obywatelska#anchorLink, https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/do-rzeczy#anchorLink, https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/katastrofa#anchorLink, https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/premier#anchorLink
