The Global Sumud Flotilla is an international humanitarian initiative aiming to deliver food, medicine, and basic supplies to civilians in the Gaza Strip.
On the Polish vessel taking part in the mission were MP Franciszek Sterczewski (Civic Coalition), Omar Faris, president of the Polish-Palestinian Social and Cultural Association, Nina Ptak, president of the Nomada Association, and journalist and activist Ewa Jasiewicz.
After drones attacked the flotilla overnight from Tuesday to Wednesday, damaging the mast and sail of the Polish ship, Sterczewski announced he would continue the mission on another vessel and called on Polish politicians to provide protection for the entire flotilla, which could reach Israeli territorial waters around Saturday.
Polish politicians urged to protect Gaza-bound aid mission following drone strike
Sterczewski told Polish broadcaster TOK FM that the drone attack should be treated like Russian drone strikes on Poland, emphasizing that under international law the ship he was on at the time of the attack is considered Polish territory.
“I expect politicians to be held accountable, including my parliamentary colleague and minister, whom I respect for many things - Radosław Sikorski,” he added.
Earlier, Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sikorski responded to the situation on social media, posting a poll asking whether the Polish state should cover evacuation costs for a citizen - even an MP - who enters a war zone after repeated warnings, or recover those costs afterward.
MP Sterczewski reacts to FM Sikorski’s poll
In response, Sterczewski said, “As an MP, I have a duty to be where human rights are being violated.”
He also addressed Sikorski directly, noting the minister’s past private support for Ukraine, and added: “Poles are in solidarity with Palestine. I hope the Polish government will stand with those seeking to end this genocide instead of sending them bills.”
Response from the Polish Foreign Ministry and Cafe Bund
Poland’s Deputy Foreign Minister Władysław Teofil Bartoszewski said the ministry is closely monitoring the flotilla, maintaining contact with Israeli authorities, and advising against travel to the Gaza Strip. He added that Polish services are prepared to act if the safety of Polish citizens is threatened.
The Polish-Jewish organization Cafe Bund also commented on the situation, urging the government to provide protection for the flotilla participants and establish a secure humanitarian corridor to Gaza, emphasizing that the mission is purely humanitarian and aimed at saving civilian lives.
Image: Instagram/@cafe.bund
Humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip
The conflict in the Gaza Strip has lasted nearly two years, creating a severe humanitarian crisis. Civilian casualties have exceeded 65,000, and the flow of aid remains insufficient.
The recent drone attack on the flotilla further threatens the delivery of essential supplies to civilians in Gaza.
Spanish Navy's 'Furor' sets sail from La Curra pier in Cartagena to escort the Global Sumud Flotilla, an international maritime initiative that began sailing in August 2025 en route to Gaza, aiming to break the Israeli blockade and deliver vital aid to the Gaza Strip. Photo: Marcial Guillen/PAP/EPA
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Source: Facebook.com/FranekSterczewski/IAR/PAP/TOK FM/Polsat News