Aid flotilla prepares for worst-case scenario as it nears Gaza
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The flotilla to break the blockade on Gaza says Israeli warships and drones threatened its aid ships as they neared Gaza, warning any raid would be piracy under international law.
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People gather to show support for the Global Sumud Flotilla ahead of its scheduled departure to deliver aid to Gaza amidst the Israeli blockade on the Palestinian territory, in Sidi Bou Said port in Tunis, Tunisia, Wednesday, September 10, 2025 (AP)
Members of the Global Sumud Flotilla told Al Mayadeen on Wednesday that their ships are now about 100 miles from Gaza and are expected to reach the enclave’s shores at around 5 am, according to international law expert Lina Tabbal.
Tabbal warned that Israeli forces are likely to pursue the flotilla by nightfall, stressing that “worst-case scenarios” remain possible. She said drones have been circling over the ships continuously, and that Israeli forces may attempt to storm the vessels and use stun grenades against activists. Any such action, she added, would constitute “piracy and a violation of international law.”
Flotilla under surveillance
Youssef Ajissa, deputy head of the International Committee to Break the Siege of Gaza, said the flotilla is now “within a stone’s throw” of waters claimed by the Israeli occupation as a war zone. He described the previous night as “dangerous” for the ships and warned that the coming hours could also bring heightened risks.
The committee’s official account on X confirmed that the flotilla expects to arrive in Gaza within 12 hours, while Al Mayadeen continues to monitor developments closely.
Earlier, the flotilla reported what it called a “serious act of aggression” by Israeli naval forces at dawn on Wednesday. According to the statement, the ship Alma was chased and harassed for several minutes by an Israeli warship, which remotely disabled its communication systems, including the internal closed-circuit broadcast.
The warship reportedly approached at a dangerously close distance, forcing the captain to execute sharp maneuvers to avoid a collision.
Unidentified ships approach flotilla
Unidentified ships with their lights off have reportedly approached several boats of the Global Sumud Flotilla, prompting activists on board to activate security measures amid growing fears of an Israeli interception as the humanitarian convoy advances toward Gaza.
According to the latest update shared by the participants, "The vessels have now left the Flotilla. We continue to sail to Gaza, approaching the 120 nautical mile mark, near the area where previous flotillas have been intercepted and/or attacked." The fleet, now deep in what organizers describe as a "high-risk zone," consists of more than 50 vessels and nearly 500 activists representing 46 countries.
Drop Site News reported that Israeli naval forces were moving in the flotilla’s direction. "Israeli navy vessels are reportedly moving in to intercept the Global Sumud Flotilla. No ships have been boarded yet, but CCTV has been disrupted on several boats. Participants are preparing for interception," the outlet said.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro warned that any use of force against the mission would constitute a serious breach of international law. "Any Israeli attack on the civilian, humanitarian, and nonviolent Global Sumud Flotilla would constitute a blatant violation of international law and a crime against humanity," he stated.
