A convoy delivering aid to Gaza, which has been affected by war, affirmed its commitment to its mission despite what it described as pressure tactics by the Israeli military. The Global Sumud Flotilla, comprising approximately 45 vessels carrying activists and politicians, including prominent climate advocate Greta Thunberg from Sweden, departed from Spain a month ago with the goal of challenging Israel’s blockade of the Palestinian region, where the UN has reported the onset of famine.
The organizers issued a statement stating that Israeli naval forces engaged in what they termed an intimidating operation against the Global Sumud Flotilla in the early hours as the ships neared Egyptian waters, an area where Israel has previously intercepted similar efforts. Both Spain and Italy, which dispatched naval escorts, called on the convoy to cease its advance before entering the exclusion zone declared by Israel off the Gaza coast.
Following a ten-day stay in Tunisia, during which two drone attacks were reported by organizers, the flotilla resumed its voyage on September 15. The group noted that one of its primary vessels, the Alma, was aggressively encircled by an Israeli warship, while another ship, the Sirius, faced comparable harassment maneuvers. Previous attempts similar to this one were thwarted by Israel in June and July.
As of 12:30 GMT on Wednesday, Brazilian activist Thiago Avila reported that the flotilla was located 118 nautical miles (about 220 kilometers) from the Gaza Strip. The organizers emphasized their resolve to continue sailing forward despite Israeli warnings and efforts to intimidate them.