Gaza-Bound Aid Convoy Calls for Protection as It Nears Gaza
(MENAFN) A fleet of eleven vessels sailing toward the Israel-encircled Gaza Strip has issued a fervent call for international protection Sunday, as their humanitarian mission edges closer to the contested enclave.
“We are close to the possible interception point, and call to the international community to ensure the safety that we are entitled under international law,” declared the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) in an official release.
Dubbed “The Thousands of Madleens,” the convoy reached Alexandria’s coastline off Egypt early Sunday—approximately 560 kilometers (348 miles) from Gaza—renewing efforts to confront what organizers describe as Israel’s unlawful blockade of the Palestinian territory.
Addressing European authorities, the FFC sent a direct and resolute message: “To all governmental and judicial institutions of European States and the European Union: this is a strong and firm appeal. We are at sea, sailing to Gaza and we are concerned.”
The coalition emphasized the legitimacy of their journey: “We are carrying out our legitimate work as deputies, journalists, doctors, nurses, sailors and citizens. We are a lawful and authorized humanitarian mission. Now we are worried about what may happen to us and the ongoing brutality that keeps unfold to the Palestinians.”
The convoy’s organizers also raised alarms over disturbing reports received from the Global Sumud Flotilla activists, who suffered “abuse, violence, and torture during their unlawful detention in Israel—accounts that have been confirmed by support organizations.”
Late Wednesday, Israeli naval forces seized several vessels from the Global Sumud Flotilla and detained over 470 activists representing more than 50 nations. The group had aimed to deliver critical aid to Gaza and defy the Israeli blockade.
In response, the FFC issued an urgent plea: “We urgently call on you to uphold and enforce international, humanitarian and maritime law.”
They further implored, “We urgently call on you to sanction Israel and stop your participation in the genocide in the framework of the European democracy. Why do institutions exist, if not to protect their citizens and ensure respect for the rule of law?”
Since 2010, FFC—a coalition of international civil society organizations—has spearheaded numerous missions to break Gaza’s blockade and bring attention to the dire humanitarian conditions there.
For nearly 18 years, Israel has maintained its stranglehold over Gaza, a territory housing nearly 2.4 million people.
Since October 2023 alone, relentless Israeli bombardments have claimed more than 67,000 Palestinian lives in the enclave, predominantly women and children, leaving the region devastated and pushing it toward famine under the ongoing siege.
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