ATHENS

A left-wing Greek opposition party on Monday expressed full support for the Global Sumud Flotilla, which is carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza and seeking to break Israel’s crippling blockade.

Calling solidarity with Palestine “a duty for every citizen who respects basic human rights,” SYRIZA underlined that the flotilla sends a strong message to the whole world against the genocide being carried out in Gaza by Israel’s government.

Expressing support for the flotilla’s mission “to break the barbaric blockade of Gaza by the Israeli army,” the party said: “The Netanyahu government, which sows terror even among civilians and newborns, must cease enjoying the tolerance of the international community.”

Urging the government to take a stand and clarify its position, the party argued: “Hypocritical declarations of humanitarianism cannot hide the unwavering support it provides to the Israeli government, at all levels.”

“At the same time, initiatives for peace and an immediate ceasefire are urgently needed, with the resumption of credible negotiations between the two sides, for a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders. Only in this way can stability be restored to the Middle East,” it added.

The flotilla brings together some 50 vessels carrying hundreds of activists from across the world. It marks the first time such a large fleet has set out together toward Gaza, after previous attempts by individual ships were intercepted by Israel.

Israel has imposed a blockade on Gaza for the past 18 years. Nearly 1.5 million of the enclave’s 2.4 million residents are now homeless after almost two years of relentless bombardment.

The Israeli army has continued a brutal offensive on the Gaza Strip, killing nearly 65,000 Palestinians since October 2023. The military campaign has devastated the enclave, which is facing famine.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.