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In a bold and determined effort to deliver humanitarian aid and challenge Israel’s long-standing blockade of Gaza, activists aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla reported intense harassment by Israeli forces overnight from Tuesday to Wednesday. Despite these challenges, the flotilla, consisting of 43 vessels, remains resolute in its mission to reach Gaza and provide critical support to the Palestinian population. The activists’ unwavering commitment to ending the blockade and addressing what they describe as the ongoing genocide in Gaza underscores the significance of this humanitarian endeavor, which is the largest fleet ever to set sail for the region.
Zeynel Abidin Ozkan, an activist aboard the Adagio, one of the flotilla’s ships, spoke with Anadolu Agency from the vessel’s deck, providing a firsthand account of the escalating tensions. Ozkan reported that as the flotilla approached Gaza on Tuesday night, it entered a perilous zone within striking distance of the Israeli military. “Last night, drones were flying intensively over our fleet,” he said, describing the unsettling presence of unmanned aerial vehicles monitoring their movements. Around 5 a.m., the situation escalated further when two boats, believed to be Israeli, launched a sophisticated cyberattack targeting the Alma, the flotilla’s flagship. The attack disrupted the ship’s GPS and internet systems, severing communication with the vessel temporarily.
The cyberattack forced the fleet to halt its engines to assess potential damage to the Alma’s systems. After confirming the ship’s operational integrity, the flotilla resumed its journey toward Gaza. Ozkan emphasized the group’s determination, stating, “We continue our mission to decisively break the Gaza blockade and stop the genocide in Gaza.” He called on the global community to support the flotilla’s efforts, urging people to raise awareness and stand in solidarity with their cause. As the fleet closed to within 100 miles (161 kilometers) of Gaza’s coast on Wednesday morning, Ozkan warned that the mission had entered a “far more dangerous time.” At this distance, the flotilla could reach Gaza within 24 hours, making it increasingly vulnerable to further interference or attacks by Israeli forces.
“Do not leave the fleet alone in the face of possible attacks and harassment,” Ozkan pleaded. “Be part of this movement that can decisively stop the genocide being committed in Gaza and break the blockade.” His words reflect the activists’ belief that international attention and support are critical to the mission’s success and their safety in the face of mounting threats.
Meanwhile, Metehan Sari, an activist aboard the Alma, provided further details about the harassment faced by the flotilla. Speaking to Anadolu, Sari described the overnight incident as “one of the biggest acts of harassment we have faced so far.” An Israeli vessel approached the Alma, coming as close as 5 to 10 meters (16-33 feet), in what Sari interpreted as an attempt to intimidate the activists. “They tried to scare us, but we weren’t afraid, and we told them we would not be afraid,” he said defiantly. The Israeli vessel deployed a powerful military-grade signal jammer, which not only disrupted the flotilla’s communication systems but also caused physical damage to some equipment. Sari noted that several cameras on the Alma were rendered inoperable, and some activists’ personal devices were hacked, prompting a few to discard their phones into the sea to prevent further breaches.
Despite the intensity of the harassment, Sari and his fellow activists quickly shifted to emergency mode to manage the situation. “Thank God, we are fine,” he said, reaffirming their commitment to continue the journey to Gaza. Sari called for global support, urging people to amplify the flotilla’s mission and keep the plight of Gaza in the spotlight. “Please don’t forget Gaza or Sumud,” he said. “Spread the word as much as you can.”
The Global Sumud Flotilla, named after the Arabic term for “steadfastness” or “unwavering determination,” carries profound symbolic weight for the Palestinian cause. The concept of Sumud emerged as a cornerstone of Palestinian resistance following the 1967 Arab-Israeli War (Six-Day War), encapsulating the resilience of Palestinians in the face of occupation. It represents not only the act of remaining on their land but also the preservation of Palestinian identity, culture, and non-violent resistance. Symbols such as the olive tree and the image of a pregnant peasant woman are often used to embody this spirit of endurance and hope.
The flotilla, comprising dozens of ships, is carrying a substantial amount of humanitarian aid, with a particular focus on medical supplies desperately needed in Gaza. This mission marks the largest coordinated effort of its kind to challenge Israel’s blockade, which has restricted the flow of goods, services, and people in and out of Gaza for nearly two decades, exacerbating humanitarian crises in the region. The blockade, enforced by Israel since 2007, has been widely criticized by human rights organizations for its devastating impact on Gaza’s economy, healthcare system, and overall quality of life.
The activists’ resolve to break the blockade is driven by their belief that the situation in Gaza constitutes a humanitarian catastrophe requiring urgent international intervention. They point to the ongoing conflict, widespread poverty, and limited access to basic necessities as evidence of the need for immediate action. The flotilla’s mission is not only to deliver aid but also to draw global attention to the blockade and the broader issues facing Palestinians.
As the Global Sumud Flotilla presses forward, the activists remain acutely aware of the risks they face. The Israeli military has a history of intercepting vessels attempting to reach Gaza, most notably the 2010 Mavi Marmara incident, in which nine activists were killed during a raid on a similar flotilla. Despite these dangers, the activists aboard the Sumud Flotilla are undeterred, viewing their mission as a critical step toward justice and humanitarian relief for Gaza’s population.
The international community is closely watching the flotilla’s progress, with supporters and advocates calling for safe passage and an end to the blockade. The activists’ courage and determination have sparked renewed discussions about the situation in Gaza and the role of grassroots movements in challenging systemic injustices. By continuing their journey in the face of harassment, the Global Sumud Flotilla embodies the spirit of steadfastness that its name represents, serving as a powerful symbol of resistance and solidarity with the Palestinian people.
As the fleet approaches Gaza, the activists are calling for prayers, support, and global action to ensure their mission succeeds. Their efforts highlight the urgent need for humanitarian aid and an end to the restrictions that have long defined life in Gaza. The coming hours will be critical as the flotilla navigates both the physical and political challenges ahead, with the hope of delivering not only aid but also a message of hope and resilience to the people of Gaza.
