Second Assault on Gaza-Bound Global Sumud Flotilla; Fleet Resolute Against Israeli Aggression
The Global Sumud Flotilla, a significant international convoy of vessels heading towards the Gaza Strip, has pledged to continue its journey to the besieged and heavily affected coastal region. This determination remains steadfast despite repeated Israeli assaults.
On Wednesday, the Global Shipping Federation (GSF) announced that its vessel, the Alma, was targeted by a drone attack while anchored in Tunisian waters.
The vessel reportedly incurred fire damage on its upper deck, according to sources. However, the blaze has been successfully extinguished, and all passengers and crew members are confirmed to be safe.
It characterized the aggression as “a coordinated effort to divert and undermine our mission,” while simultaneously pledging unwavering determination.
The Global Sumud Flotilla remains steadfast in its mission. The flotilla announced its commitment to a peaceful journey aimed at challenging Israel’s blockade of Gaza and demonstrating strong support for its residents. The group vowed to advance with determination and resolve.
Following an earlier assault on the flotilla’s primary vessel on Monday, the crew has once again demonstrated their determination to remain on course despite the recent attack.
The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), undeterred by last night’s assault on one of its vessels, announced that it is set to depart from Tunis. The departure is subject to final mechanical inspections, weather evaluations, and confirmation of participant readiness.
**’No Comparison to Gaza’s Suffering’**
“The aggression we experienced cannot be compared to the daily atrocities Palestinians endure under Israel’s harsh occupation, bombardment, and blockade,” the statement asserts.
The flotilla highlighted the relentless daily bombardment of Palestinian territory by the regime, citing it as part of the ongoing conflict since October 2023. The war, described as genocidal, has resulted in over 64,600 Palestinian casualties, the majority of whom are women and children.
Reports indicate that the regime has enforced a total communications and media blackout across the territory. Concurrently, it has allegedly utilized starvation as a weapon by imposing a parallel siege.
The flotilla emphasized that the concerted tools and actions of aggression are intentionally designed to suppress the voices of Palestinians and obscure their suffering from global awareness.
The incident involving the attack on the vessel has been characterized as a strategic effort to intimidate activists en route to Gaza and divert international focus from what is being termed as genocide.
A member of the GSF Steering Committee, Saif Abukeshek, declared resolutely, “We are embarking on this mission, undeterred by any acts of aggression. In the approaching days, the flotilla will unite at sea, determined to break the siege, end the genocide, and stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people in their legitimate fight for freedom.”
Mariana Mortágua, a member of the Portuguese parliament and participant in the flotilla, declared, “As a people, we are a superpower.”
**”Concerns Mount as Broader Implications of Palestine Situation Highlighted”**
In a recent statement underscoring the gravity of the situation, it was noted, “Today, it’s Palestine, tomorrow it could affect us all.” This remark has resonated across global platforms, drawing attention to potential widespread repercussions beyond the immediate region. Observers and analysts emphasize the importance of addressing the underlying issues to prevent broader instability.
In a recent statement, Mortágua emphasized that without appropriate intervention, the Israeli administration could potentially continue and broaden the extent of its aggressive actions.
Support for the Palestinian people arises from a broader commitment to defending humanity and human rights, advocates say. They warn that while the focus is on Palestine today, the situation could impact everyone in the future. Attention remains firmly fixed on Gaza.
The GSF, consisting of over 50 vessels, set sail from Barcelona late last month with the objective of challenging what human rights organizations have condemned as one of the globe’s most severe and inhumane blockades.
A maritime mission of unprecedented scale in recent decades, the flotilla comprises delegations from over 44 nations.
If successful, it would be the first instance in nearly 15 years that a flotilla has arrived at Gaza’s coastline.
Israeli officials have openly expressed their strong opposition to the mission, with far-right minister Itamar Ben-Gvir warning of the potential designation of the activists as “terrorists” and the possible seizure of the boats.
