The flotilla has entered the danger zone, just 75 nautical miles from Gaza, where a “state of emergency” has been declared. The ships’ boards report that “12 unidentified boats are slowly approaching.” Italian MP Arturo Scotto, who is on board the Karma, said that British fighter jets have taken off from Cyprus. Meanwhile, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has made a final appeal to the activists: “It’s not too late, stop and hand over the aid.”
"The Flotilla activists have all gone out on deck and are wearing life jackets. The instruction is not to react," declared Yassine Lafram, president of Ucoii - the Union of Italian Islamic Communities, who is on board along with two Italian MPs.
"We are facing ten to fifteen ships approaching. We will not react to any possible action by Israeli soldiers, remaining faithful to our peaceful, humanitarian and non-violent mission. Our hope is to awaken consciences about what is happening in Gaza. The flotilla is just a tool to open humanitarian corridors," Lafram added.
