DaysofPal – Activists aboard the Global Steadfastness (Sumud) Flotilla say morale remains high as the convoy of ships draws closer to the Gaza Strip, determined to break Israel’s blockade and deliver humanitarian aid. The group expects to reach Gaza within three to four days, even as they prepare to enter what they describe as a “high-risk zone.”
“This mission has faced many challenges, setbacks, threats, and attacks. The biggest one happened four days ago when dozens of drones, believed to be Israeli, attacked several of our boats, disabled one, and damaged at least three,” one activist said. “But our spirit is unbroken.”
The flotilla, carrying more than 500 civilian activists from 40 countries across several continents, is bringing medical supplies and humanitarian aid to the besieged enclave.
Its organizers announced that the convoy now includes 44 ships after two new boats joined on their journey. One branch, the Maghreb Steadfastness Flotilla, reported on Facebook that the ships are only 366 nautical miles (589 kilometers) from Gaza, with arrival expected in less than five days.
Though the mission temporarily halted in the Mediterranean after three ships suffered emergency malfunctions, organizers confirmed that navigation will resume once repairs are complete.
Israel is getting ready to intercept in the meantime. The state broadcaster Kan confirmed that Israeli forces are making plans to seize the flotilla, while the Walla news site reported that the Ministry of Health instructed hospitals to raise their alert level in anticipation of possible casualties.
The measures come as the flotilla’s arrival coincides with Yom Kippur, when hospitals operate on limited schedules. The Israeli Broadcasting Authority also revealed that an army commando unit has been put on standby.
Still, the sight of dozens of ships advancing toward Gaza marks a first. Two European warships, one Italian and one Spanish, have been spotted near the flotilla, along with a Turkish Red Crescent vessel.
The mission comes against the backdrop of catastrophic conditions in Gaza, where Israel’s war since October 2023 has killed more than 66,000 people, injured around 168,000, and caused mass destruction of infrastructure. Organizers say the flotilla symbolizes international solidarity and the determination to challenge what they describe as a “genocide” against Palestinians.
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