THE Gaza-bound humanitarian flotilla carrying activists and aid from over 45 countries has continued its course across the Mediterranean despite what organisers describe as failed Israeli naval interception attempts.
Anadolu Agency cited Wael Naouar, spokesperson for the Maghreb branch of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), saying today that Israeli forces on Wednesday morning attempted to block the lead ships but were ultimately unable to halt the convoy’s progress.
“The Zionist (Israeli) vessels today intercepted Alma, the lead ship, but the other ships ignored Alma and continued toward Gaza,” said Naouar in a statement posted via the social media platform Facebook. He further explained that a second manoeuvre, this time targeting another lead vessel, Sirius, similarly failed. “The rest of the flotilla ignored Sirius and continued their journey to Gaza,” he said.
Naouar added that Israeli warships later attempted to encircle the convoy from multiple directions in an effort to disperse it, but all vessels managed to hold their formation. “Even if you stop 47 vessels, the 48th will continue on to Gaza,” he said, framing the encounter as a test of the flotilla’s determination.
Al Jazeera, which has a correspondent aboard the flotilla, reported that contact had been temporarily lost with the Alma after an Israeli vessel approached within five feet of it. The correspondent stated that Israeli forces jammed the ship’s communication systems and disabled its engine.
Participants aboard Alma reportedly threw their mobile phones into the sea as a precautionary measure, following established security protocols. The correspondent later confirmed that the Israeli vessel had departed the area, allowing the flotilla to resume its journey.
The convoy, which aims to challenge Israel’s longstanding maritime blockade of Gaza, is now approximately 121 nautical miles from the enclave.
Meanwhile, Malaysian humanitarian activist Nurfarahin Romli, widely known as Farah Lee, offered reassurance via social media, stating that the situation aboard the vessels remains calm despite the earlier disruption.
“Things are calm here. We’re sharing this not to alarm, but to keep everyone informed,” she said in a video message, noting that all participants had undergone comprehensive pre-departure training, including physical, emotional, legal and media preparedness.
“Don’t worry about us. Keep praying for the people of Gaza and others facing oppression around the world,” Bernama cited her saying earlier today.
The Global Sumud Flotilla includes 34 Malaysians and participants from 45 nations, delivering food, medical supplies and a message of peace. The mission seeks to draw international attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and demands the establishment of open corridors for aid delivery.
Since October 2023, over 66,000 Palestinians—predominantly women and children—have reportedly been killed in Israeli military operations, with widespread destruction, starvation and disease rendering Gaza nearly uninhabitable. - October 1, 2025
