At today’s briefing for diplomatic editors, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Lena Zohiou emphasized, among other points, that the ministry is closely monitoring developments concerning the flotilla off Gaza.

“Our priority is the safety of our citizens,” Zohiou stressed. She noted that Israeli naval forces intercepted the Greek ship Oxygen, which was participating in the international Global Sumud Flotilla mission bound for Gaza.

Zohiou confirmed that the Greek citizens on board are in good health and emphasized that there is constant communication with the Greek embassy in Tel Aviv. She added that our ambassador to Israel will proceed to the site where the 27 Greek citizens are located.

She stated that the Foreign Ministry has raised the matter with the Israeli side, stressing the importance of ensuring the protection of Greek citizens. Zohiou recalled that yesterday a joint statement was issued by the Foreign Ministries of Greece and Italy calling for the safety of flotilla participants to be guaranteed.

Zohiou also said there is no evidence of violence by Israeli forces and confirmed that all necessary steps will be taken to provide consular assistance. She added that “a registration check and the deportation of those who participated in the flotilla will follow.”

Finally, she noted that Minister Gerapetritis is in direct contact with his Israeli counterpart and reaffirmed that Greece’s strategic partnership with Israel “remains strong and will not be undermined.”