Francisco Louçã recently stated on SIC Notícias that there were “two governments” concerning the humanitarian flotilla heading to Gaza, which included four Portuguese passengers, among them Mariana Mortágua, the leader of the Left Bloc (BE).
According to Louçã, Nuno Melo, the Defense Minister, attempted to “criminalize the flotilla participants,” labeling them as “supporters of terrorism.” In contrast, the Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel adopted a more cautious approach, although not entirely satisfactory.
“This is a very serious issue for Portugal and Europe. As the flotilla participants were treated as terrorists by the Israeli government, Benjamin Netanyahu also claims, in an official statement, that António Guterres is an accomplice of terrorism, and the UN agency was banned from operating in Gaza,” noted Louçã.
The former BE coordinator added that facing “inhumanity and barbarism,” the Government has “remained silent,” and the decision to officially recognize the state of Palestine was “tardy.”
Regarding the end of the conflict, Louçã expressed that if all promises are fulfilled, it will represent “a huge relief.”
On Hamas, the former State counselor remarked that this group “is an enemy of the Palestinian people,” contradicting common belief.
“It harms, hinders, and does not contribute to peace. Any plan must respect the decisions of the Palestinian people. It cannot be a consul Tony Blair, it cannot be Donald Trump, nor can it be the forces of Netanyahu governing that territory; it must be the Palestinian people,” he concluded.
The flotilla attempting to breach Israel’s blockade on Gaza with humanitarian aid was prevented from doing so. The crew members were detained and repatriated to their home countries. Among them were four Portuguese: Mariana Mortágua from BE, former model and actress Sofia Aparício, and activists Miguel Duarte and Diogo Chaves. They now have to bear the full cost of their return trip to Portugal.
Meanwhile, Israel and Hamas have agreed to the “first phase” of the ceasefire and could potentially approve the peace plan today.
