Former socialist commentator Ana Gomes expressed concerns on Sunday, August 31, about the humanitarian flotilla that departed from Barcelona, Spain, headed for Gaza, particularly in regard to its perception in Portugal and Europe.
The former MEP began by stating that the situation in Gaza is “atrocious,” expressing worry over the humanitarian fleet, which includes three Portuguese citizens: Mariana Mortágua, Sofia Aparício, and Miguel Duarte.
“I want to express my admiration for them right from the start. For going. But I’m worried because there has been a reaction from the Portuguese government that is very different from the Spanish government. It’s clear that Portugal will provide necessary diplomatic and consular protection, but there is an attempt to evade responsibility. Contrary to Portugal, Spain made it clear that they would provide full consular, political, and diplomatic protection to deter the Israeli government from attempting to ram this flotilla,” Gomes highlighted, noting that “the responsibility to protect is a fact, stemming from United Nations resolutions, lessons learned from other genocides.”
Ana Gomes has no doubt that this constitutes another “genocide” and regards the humanitarian fleet’s journey as an “act of citizenship.”
“It’s not just symbolic; it’s about demonstrating that there are indignant citizens who stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people. Ultimately, it is also about Israel’s own security,” she said, reminding that “those who advocate for the two states evidently want Israel to live in safety,” she emphasized, adding, “the ones jeopardizing Israel’s security are Netanyahu’s far-right government.”
“Currently, the citizens themselves, families of the hostages, are bringing Netanyahu to court for premeditated murder because, obviously, he’s neither concerned nor ever was about the hostages and has a plan that includes not only genocide but the ethnic cleansing of Gaza,” advocated the former ambassador.
Ana Gomes also admits feeling “ashamed” and “furious.” “This [Europe’s stance toward the conflict in Gaza] is unacceptable from an international standpoint. How can we defend international law regarding Ukraine — which we must defend — if we do not uphold it concerning Palestine […]. If we believe a genocide is taking place, we have the responsibility to protect,” she concluded.
