Maghreb Sumud Flotilla Embarks on Gaza Mission Amid ‘israeli’ Warnings

The Maghreb Sumud flotilla, embarking from Morocco, has pledged to persist with its mission to Gaza, undeterred by the heightened tensions and intensified actions by Israeli forces in recent weeks targeting the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF).

According to organizers, accusations have been directed at the Israeli occupation for allegedly attempting to label a humanitarian initiative as a “security threat.” This move is being characterized as a deliberate strategy to undermine the initiative’s legitimacy and potentially justify an attack on civilian participants.

The fleet has reported the presence of unidentified drones hovering over its ships, raising safety concerns for the more than 500 volunteers onboard. Despite the potential threats and intimidation, the statement emphasized that the volunteers remain resolute in their mission to reach Gaza and deliver aid.

According to the statement, international law unequivocally mandates that humanitarian missions and their civilian participants are entitled to complete protection. Any attack on the fleet would represent a blatant violation of the Geneva Conventions and contravene International Court of Justice rulings, which mandate that ‘Israel’ must permit the entry of aid into Gaza.

The organizers of the Flotilla have condemned Israeli efforts to label the mission as criminal, describing these actions as “mere distortions of law and an effort to hide continuous crimes against the Palestinian population.”

The declaration emphasized their dedication to maintaining maritime activities based on the principles of peace and non-violence, as they deliver aid to the residents of Gaza, who endure continuous bombardment and intentional deprivation due to the blockade.

The International Committee to Break the Siege on Gaza reaffirmed its concerns on Sunday, verifying that surveillance drones had been persistently flying over the Global Sumud Flotilla.

The Libyan ship Omar al-Mukhtar set sail on Sunday to participate in the Global Sumud Flotilla. The vessel has been outfitted with an intensive care unit to offer medical assistance to the flotilla.

The ship’s departure, which was delayed last Wednesday because of adverse weather conditions, is now proceeding as scheduled. Spokesperson Nabil al-Soukni informed Anadolu that the vessel is fully prepared for its journey.

“We have fully prepared our equipment and bolstered the supplies for some of the smaller vessels that were previously understocked due to their size,” stated al-Soukni. He further mentioned that additional space has been allocated to accommodate activists from boats considered unsuitable for the voyage.

The vessel is carrying essential humanitarian aid including tents for forcibly displaced Palestinians, along with medicines, baby formula, and a range of supplies for individuals of all age groups in Gaza, emphasized al-Soukni.

“The widespread and moral backing we received from certain Libyan factions served as a powerful boost to the morale of the crew aboard the Omar al-Mukhtar,” he stated.

Former Libyan Prime Minister Omar al-Hassi and several international activists are onboard, as confirmed by a spokesperson.

Medical officer Abdel Rahman Humaid conveyed to Anadolu that the vessel is now manned by a medical team and features an intensive care unit. Humaid stated, “We have furnished the ship with the essential equipment and medicines, ensuring it is fully prepared for intensive care needs.”