DaysofPal- The international “Sumud Flotilla” heading toward the besieged Gaza Strip reported early Wednesday that it has entered a state of high alert after facing repeated harassment by Israeli naval forces and intensified drone activity overhead.
In an official statement, the flotilla said that an Israeli vessel approached within just five feet of Alma, the lead ship of the convoy, disrupting its communications systems along with those of several other vessels in the flotilla.
The Israeli military ship later withdrew, allowing the convoy to resume its course toward Gaza’s shores.
“We have now entered the zone of extreme danger, where previous flotillas have been attacked or intercepted. Stay vigilant,” the flotilla warned participants.
The organizers confirmed that security protocols have been activated in anticipation of a possible interception.
Despite Israeli threats and intimidation tactics, the convoy continues sailing, currently at a distance of about 120 nautical miles from Gaza, near waters where earlier aid flotillas were blocked.
The “Sumud Flotilla” is carrying humanitarian aid for the population of Gaza, where more than two million Palestinians have been enduring unprecedented famine conditions following the complete Israeli closure of border crossings since March.
Residents of Gaza City have also been subjected to forced displacement amid the worsening crisis.
According to organizers, more than 42 vessels are participating in the mission, carrying approximately 530 activists and solidarity campaigners of various nationalities.
The flotilla is accompanied by three international naval escorts: one Italian, one Spanish, and one Greek warship.
The first group of ships departed from Barcelona, Spain, at the end of August, followed by a second convoy that set sail from Genoa, Italy, in early September.
Despite the risks, the flotilla vowed to push ahead: “We continue sailing toward Gaza, undeterred by the Israeli threats and methods of intimidation.”
Shortlink for this post: https://daysofpalestine.ps/?p=68007
