Global Sumud Flotilla, La Piccirella returns to Rome. The activist: 'We continue, we are reorganizing'

Upon his return to Rome's Fiumicino Airport, activist Antonio La Piccirella, a participant in the Global Sumud Flotilla, recounted the harrowing experience of his vessel's interception by Israeli naval forces. La Piccirella, who was on one of the 21 boats directed towards Gaza, described the incident not as a blockade, but as a "kidnapping" that occurred in European waters, allegedly with the complicity or inaction of the Greek navy. He detailed the destruction of some vessels and the isolation and mistreatment of individuals, including fellow activists Thiago and Saif.

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We continue: we are reorganizing. Continuiamo finché i nostri governi non troveranno la loro spina dorsale e pongano fine a tutti gli accordi che abbiamo con Israele, per fare gli interessi del popolo palestinese, del popolo italiano e di tutti i popoli che vogliono vivere in pace, solidarietà e giustizia.

La Piccirella's narrative paints a stark picture of the confrontation, emphasizing the fear for his companions, particularly Saif, a Palestinian activist whose son he was asked to reassure. He criticized the international response, or lack thereof, noting that despite the presence of military drones and surveillance in the Mediterranean, no assistance was provided during their six-hour escape attempt. He directly challenged the characterization of the flotilla's actions as piracy, instead framing it as a consequence of supporting a nation he accuses of land and oil theft.

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It was a kidnapping in practically European waters, supervised by the Greek navy: a cargo ship of that size and the frigate accompanying it do not go unnoticed; the Mediterranean is full of military drones, everyone was actually aware of what was happening and no one did anything.

Despite the ordeal, La Piccirella remains resolute. He declared that the movement will persist, stating, "We continue: we are reorganizing." He urged governments to find the courage to end all agreements with Israel, asserting that their actions are in the interest of the Palestinian people, the Italian people, and all those who desire peace and justice. He expressed hope for parliamentary support, underscoring the moral burden of their cause and the need for broader political backing to achieve their objectives.

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We escaped for six hours, asking for help and sending SOS signals. It is not an act of piracy as our President says: it is the natural consequence of what happens when you militarily, politically and economically support a country that has never had any problem stealing land and oil.