Germany: Risk of violent intervention by Israel to stop Gaza aid flotilla

The deputy spokesman for the German foreign ministry, Josef Hinterseher, on Monday said that there is a risk of violent intervention by Israel to stop the Global Sumud Flotilla.

“Our goal is to avoid any confrontation at this point, and therefore we call on both sides to adhere to the applicable law,” Hinterseher told journalists in Berlin.

Hinterseher called on Israel to avoid targeting the flotilla, which is sailing towards Gaza and includes Swedish activist Greta Thunberg among its passengers.

The international aid flotilla is less than 399 nautical miles away from the Gaza Strip, and is expected to reach the enclave on 30 September, organisers said on Sunday.

The flotilla was attacked by projectiles launched by drones last week, and while anchored in Tunisia on 8 and 9 September. The Tunisian government described the attacks as "premeditated", but Israel did not take responsibility.

In recent days, Israel has stepped up its threats against the flotilla, accusing organisers, without evidence, of supporting Hamas and of pursuing "a violent course of action".