Milan, Oct. 1 (LaPresse) – “At the moment, we are about 125 nautical miles away, waiting to see how the situation evolves. We are proceeding cautiously, in a phase of anticipation, aware that interception by Israeli forces may occur. Some small vessels have already approached the main boats, observing closely: a sign of monitoring and preparation for possible inspections. The positive aspect is that, should this happen, it would take place in broad daylight, reducing the risk of accidents or unpleasant incidents,” said Arturo Scotto, MP from the Democratic Party (PD), aboard the Flotilla, speaking to Radio Cusano Campus.
“It’s true that if we are ordered to stop by the Israeli Navy, we will comply,” he explained. “There are two clear reasons: first, because a sailboat against a military frigate would be like David versus Goliath; second, because our protocols, in line with the Montego Bay Convention, call for slowing down and accepting inspection in the event of a military interception. These are procedures established for vessels suspected of illegal trafficking, which is absolutely not our case: we are only transporting rice, flour, and water.”
“We continue forward united with the flotilla, with discipline and caution, strengthened by the training we completed together and by our determination to deliver aid,” the PD lawmaker emphasized. “We are very close, perhaps closer than ever, and yet realistically we will be stopped and detained. This is something that makes us deeply angry, that creates a sense of injustice because the goal was simply to bring aid through a corridor that has been closed since 2007 — a serious violation of international law,” Scotto concluded.