The Global Sumud Flotilla, comprising vessels carrying humanitarian supplies and activists from over 50 countries, set sail with the dual purpose of delivering essential aid to Gaza and challenging Israel’s long-standing blockade of the territory. Gaza, home to approximately 2.4 million people, has been under an Israeli blockade for nearly 18 years, severely restricting the flow of goods, services, and people. The flotilla’s mission was to draw global attention to the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where ongoing Israeli military operations have exacerbated an already catastrophic crisis. Since October 2023, Israeli bombardments have resulted in the deaths of over 66,000 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, leaving the enclave in ruins and its population struggling to survive.
Al-Hassi described the moment when Israeli forces boarded the flotilla’s vessels, emphasizing that the activists made it clear they were civilians on a peaceful mission. “We told the Israeli forces that boarded our ship that we are civilian activists going to Gaza. We are not confronting you, and we don’t want to meet you in Gaza’s or any territorial waters. We don’t represent a threat,” he stated. Despite these assurances, the Israeli forces proceeded with what al-Hassi termed “modern military piracy,” seizing the ships and detaining the activists. The interception occurred in international waters, a move that has raised questions about the legality of Israel’s actions under international maritime law.
Once the ships were seized, the activists were transported to a port, where they were subjected to harsh treatment. Al-Hassi recounted that the detainees, including elderly individuals and women, were handcuffed and held in an open area, exposed to the elements. The situation escalated with the arrival of Israel’s far-right Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, whose presence marked a turning point in the activists’ ordeal. According to al-Hassi, Ben-Gvir threatened the detainees with torture and imprisonment, accusing them of supporting Hamas, the Palestinian group governing Gaza. “We told him we are messengers from the world carrying aid from Europe, Türkiye, North Africa, Latin America, the US, and even Jews who love peace,” al-Hassi said. He described Ben-Gvir’s response as “bloody” and “racist,” marked by a blatant disregard for the activists’ humanitarian mission and their diverse backgrounds.
Following Ben-Gvir’s visit, the treatment of the detainees reportedly worsened. Al-Hassi detailed how they were subjected to degrading conditions, including being held for over eight hours in an open area without adequate shelter or provisions. The activists were later moved to a port warehouse, where they underwent invasive searches, and their personal belongings were confiscated. By dawn, armored vehicles transported them to detention facilities, believed to be located in southern Israel, under conditions al-Hassi likened to those of prisoners. The detainees faced intensified interrogations, and basic necessities such as water, food, and medical care were withheld, further compounding their suffering.
The former Libyan prime minister’s account sheds light on the broader context of the Gaza blockade and the challenges faced by those attempting to provide humanitarian relief. Israel’s blockade, which began in 2007 following Hamas’s takeover of Gaza, has restricted access to essential goods, including food, medicine, and construction materials, leading to widespread poverty and unemployment in the enclave. The blockade has also limited the movement of people, with many Gazans unable to leave the territory for medical treatment or other urgent needs. The Global Sumud Flotilla sought to challenge this blockade by delivering aid directly to Gaza’s population, which has been grappling with the devastating effects of both the blockade and ongoing military operations.
The interception of the flotilla on Thursday was a significant escalation, as it involved the detention of more than 470 activists from diverse nations, including Türkiye, the United States, and several European and Latin American countries. The activists, who included individuals of various ages and backgrounds, were united in their goal of providing humanitarian support to Gaza’s beleaguered population. The flotilla’s seizure has drawn condemnation from human rights organizations and activists worldwide, who argue that Israel’s actions violate international law and the principles of freedom of navigation.
Al-Hassi expressed deep regret that the flotilla was unable to reach Gaza and deliver its aid to the children and families in need. “We are truly sorry we could not reach Gaza’s children,” he said, reflecting on the mission’s failure to break through the blockade. However, he also expressed gratitude for the support provided by the Turkish government and people upon the activists’ arrival in Istanbul. The warm reception, he noted, helped alleviate some of the trauma and suffering endured during their detention.
The incident has reignited debates about Israel’s blockade of Gaza and its treatment of international activists seeking to provide humanitarian aid. Critics argue that the blockade constitutes a form of collective punishment, prohibited under international law, and has contributed to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The enclave’s infrastructure has been decimated by years of conflict, with hospitals, schools, and homes reduced to rubble. The blockade has also hindered reconstruction efforts, leaving many Gazans without access to basic services such as clean water and electricity.
The international community’s response to the flotilla’s interception has been mixed. Some governments and organizations have called for an investigation into Israel’s actions, while others have remained silent or expressed support for Israel’s right to enforce its blockade. The detention of activists from over 50 countries has also raised concerns about the treatment of foreign nationals by Israeli authorities, particularly in light of al-Hassi’s allegations of mistreatment and threats.
For al-Hassi and the other activists, the ordeal has underscored the challenges of advocating for humanitarian causes in conflict zones. Despite the risks, many remain committed to raising awareness about Gaza’s plight and challenging the blockade through nonviolent means. The Global Sumud Flotilla, named after the Arabic word for steadfastness, was intended as a symbol of resistance to oppression and solidarity with the Palestinian people.
As the world continues to grapple with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, incidents like the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla highlight the complexities of delivering humanitarian aid in contested regions. The blockade of Gaza, now in its 18th year, remains a contentious issue, with profound implications for the region’s stability and the well-being of its inhabitants. For activists like al-Hassi, the struggle to support Gaza’s population is far from over, despite the setbacks they have faced.
In conclusion, the detention of the Global Sumud Flotilla and the treatment of its activists have brought renewed attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the challenges of challenging Israel’s blockade. Al-Hassi’s account serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict and the resilience of those who seek to alleviate suffering in the face of adversity. While the flotilla was unable to reach its destination, its mission has succeeded in amplifying the voices of those calling for justice and humanitarian relief for Gaza’s people. The international community now faces the challenge of addressing the root causes of the crisis and ensuring that humanitarian aid can reach those in need without interference or violence.
