Kato Paphos, Cyprus. Activists alleged that access to the Global Sumud Flotilla ship “Vivy Sabre,” docked in the harbour of Kato Paphos, was restricted on Thursday, preventing delivery of food and drinks to the crew.
Claims of restricted access to the ship
Green party MP Andreas Evlavis, who has been providing food and water to the crew, said access changed from the previous day. “It was okay yesterday and suddenly I am not allowed to get in anymore,” he said.
Crew composition and current situation
The ship’s five-person crew includes two Italians, one Spaniard, one Moroccan and one Mexican. The Italians left the ship on Monday and returned home, leaving three crew members on board.
Spanish activist Kim Del Rio told the Cyprus Mail that he could leave freely, but others could not. “As a European citizen, I can leave the ship freely but my other two comrades are forced to stay on board,” he said.
Del Rio said the three remaining crew members currently had necessary resources, but it was unclear how the situation would develop if access to the vessel remained restricted. He said the crew may need to stay on the island longer due to technical difficulties.
Foreign ministry statement on Israeli minister’s conduct
Cyprus’ foreign ministry on Wednesday condemned what it described as the “completely unacceptable” conduct of Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben Gvir toward activists detained after Israeli forces intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla in the eastern Mediterranean.
In a statement posted on X, the ministry said Ben Gvir’s actions were “incompatible with democratic norms and the fundamental values of human dignity” and called for immediate corrective measures and accountability. The ministry said that “such reprehensible behaviour can never be tolerated” and welcomed statements by members of the Israeli government, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netenyahu, distancing themselves from the minister’s conduct.
What do you think should happen next regarding access to the “Vivy Sabre” and support for its remaining crew?
