Catarina Martins demands EU action against attack on humanitarian flotilla

In recent events, Catarina Martins, a Member of the European Parliament from the Left Bloc, called for the European Union to officially condemn an alleged drone attack on a humanitarian flotilla moored in Tunis, Tunisia. The flotilla, which aims to deliver aid to Gaza, has included participants from various European countries, including Portugal. Martins made her statements during a debate in the European Parliament on the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. She highlighted the presence of a Portuguese-flagged vessel among the flotilla's boats and referred to the involvement of prominent activists like Greta Thunberg and local figures such as BE coordinator Mariana Mortágua. The attack, which reportedly occurred at the port of Tunis, involved a drone striking one of the main boats carrying activists. The UN special rapporteur Francesca Albanese confirmed the incident on social media, raising alarms about the safety of those participating in delivering humanitarian aid. In her appeal during the parliamentary session, Martins questioned why EU leaders have remained silent regarding the incident and the actions taken by Israel, accusing them of complicity in the ongoing violence against the Palestinian people. She emphasized the need for the EU to support humanitarian efforts instead of remaining indifferent. The reactions from EU leaders, including Roberta Metsola, Ursula von der Leyen, and António Costa, were notably absent during this critical moment, prompting Martins to call out their lack of condemnation. Her statements reflect a growing frustration among advocates for humanitarian aid who feel that European leaders are failing to address the escalating violence and humanitarian crisis in Gaza appropriately. The implications of this alleged attack highlight the risks faced by those attempting to bring aid to conflict zones. Martins stressed the importance of recognizing and addressing the use of European-made weapons in the conflict and their implications on civilian lives. She declared that silence in the face of such violence is tantamount to complicity. The flotilla aims to shine a light on the dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza while also advocating for a more robust European response to protect those delivering aid. This incident underscores the complexity of the humanitarian situation in the region and the need for increased dialogue and action from the international community regarding the treatment of civilians in conflict areas.