Global Sumud Flotilla activists say convoy continues toward Gaza despite interceptions

• Flotilla activists awaiting possible boarding while maintaining ‘faith in international control mechanisms,’ activist aboard says

Activist Mi Hoa Lee aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla told Anadolu on Monday that the humanitarian convoy was continuing its journey toward Gaza despite interceptions by Israeli forces.

Speaking from the Kasr-i Sadabad vessel sailing under the English flag, Lee said the flotilla departed from the Turkish coastal district of Marmaris and had been at sea for 33 days.

She said drones and military ships began appearing around the convoy overnight, while interceptions started at around 11 a.m. local time.

According to Lee, the flotilla initially consisted of nearly 60 boats carrying around 500 civilians from approximately 45 countries as part of a “non-violent humanitarian mission” aimed at breaking the siege on Gaza.

Despite the interceptions, Lee said the remaining vessels were continuing to sail toward Gaza.

She described the Israeli intervention in international waters as “illegal” and “criminal,” and called for international attention on the flotilla as well as on Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.

Another activist aboard the flotilla, Giorgio Patti, told Anadolu that his vessel had not yet witnessed any boarding operations, although a military ship was circling nearby as the crew carried out evasive maneuvers.

Patti said the atmosphere aboard the vessel remained “cooperative and calm.”

“Although Israel is acting outside the established legal framework, we have faith in international control mechanisms and are awaiting boarding,” he said.

He also urged the international community to take action against violations of civil and human rights in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories.

Rejecting accusations that the flotilla was linked to violence or terrorist organizations, Patti said the mission’s sole purpose was to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and challenge the Israeli blockade through peaceful and lawful means.

He said the flotilla was part of an international civilian movement transporting only aid supplies and volunteers.

“We are part of an international civil movement that transports aid and volunteers exclusively. We are not violent and, above all, we always act within a legal and ethical framework,” he added.