Flotilla activist warns 'Israel' may use deadly force on Gaza aid ship
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Nearly 50 boats from Europe and North Africa have joined the Gaza aid flotilla, bringing together activists worldwide to challenge "Israel’s" brutal blockade.
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People crowd the dock ahead of the launch of a civilian flotilla bound for Gaza, aiming to break the Israeli blockade and deliver humanitarian aid in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025 (AP)
A Bosnian activist taking part in an international flotilla aimed at breaking the blockade of Gaza has warned that Israeli forces may resort to gunfire to stop the vessels from reaching their destination.
Boris Vitlacil, a participant in the Global Sumud Flotilla, spoke at an online press conference organized by the Sarajevo-based Gaza Movement initiative. He joined the mission after its departure from Barcelona on August 31, sailing on boats that later regrouped in Sicily.
Vitlacil said awareness in Europe about the situation in Gaza was “growing daily” and that the flotilla had attracted support from around the world. He suggested that "Israel" was unlikely to detain participants but could employ other tactics to block their passage.
“Personally, I don’t think they will arrest us, as this would put Israeli forces in a difficult situation. We are talking about more than 50 boats. I believe they will attempt certain measures to prevent us from reaching our target,” he said.
Vitlacil warned that such measures could include live fire or even attempts to sink the boats. “In that case, instead of continuing on our route, we would try to rescue our friends,” he added.
Irish activist: Gaza aid flotilla nears Tunisian coast
In a related context, Irish activist Tara O’Grady confirmed in an interview for Al Mayadeen on Sunday that the Steadfastness Flotilla is approaching Tunisian shores on its journey to the besieged Gaza Strip.
O’Grady stressed that the mission is “purely humanitarian", acknowledging the risks the participants face after being labeled “terrorists". She countered, “We are the exact opposite.”
She emphasized that “anyone with a shred of humanity must act against this Zionist regime that will not stop at those borders.” While affirming that the flotilla members do not intend to become martyrs, she added, “We have families to return to, but we are determined to save humanity in Gaza.”
The activist highlighted that their move comes amid what she described as “international paralysis", noting that the ongoing suffering in Gaza constitutes “an insult to our humanity.”
Concluding her remarks, O’Grady reaffirmed their unwavering stance, saying, “We will always repeat: freedom for Palestine.” She warned, however, that the actions of the Israeli authorities remain unpredictable, recalling their “brutal behavior in the past.”
Maghreb Sumud Flotilla delays departure
Organizers of the Maghreb Sumud Flotilla announced Saturday that the planned departure of pro-Palestine activists from Tunisia to Gaza has been postponed until Wednesday, September 10.
The boats were originally scheduled to set sail on Sunday, but organizers cited “technical and logistical reasons beyond management’s control” for the delay.
The Maghreb Sumud Flotilla is set to join vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which have already departed from Spain and Italy, in an effort to challenge the Israeli regime's naval blockade on Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid.
The departure had previously been delayed by bad weather, further pushing back the timing of the Tunis launch.
UK refuses to protect Global Sumud Flotilla
Activists aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla have called for international protection after the United Kingdom government declined to offer any security guarantees for the Gaza-bound humanitarian mission.
The flotilla, which embarked on its journey toward the besieged Palestinian enclave, includes dozens of volunteers from 44 countries, among them a delegation from the United Kingdom. The mission aims to deliver urgently needed aid to starved Palestinians in Gaza, including food, water, and medical supplies, amid what organizers describe as a worsening humanitarian catastrophe.
Volunteers had earlier appealed to the UK government to “support” and “protect” them should they face interception by Israeli forces, as occurred during previous flotilla efforts, according to The National, a Scottish daily.
Despite the calls, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Wednesday that his government would not offer protection to British citizens participating in the mission.
The call for protection is echoed in a joint statement signed by more than 140 elected representatives from several countries, although none from the United Kingdom. The signatories demand the establishment of a humanitarian corridor to support the mission and ensure the safety of those aboard.
The flotilla’s departure comes amid increasing threats from the Israeli government. Far-right Israeli Police Minister Itamar Ben Gvir reportedly vowed to label the volunteers as “terrorists” and to seize the vessels involved.
