GAZA-BOUND FLOTILLA ATTACKED BY DRONES: VOLUNTEERS UNDAUNTED IN FACE OF ISRAELI AGGRESSION
In the early hours of Wednesday morning, a fleet of small boats carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza was attacked by Israeli drones in international waters. The Global Sumud Flotilla, comprising approximately 500 volunteers from 45 countries, remained resolute in its mission to deliver food and medical supplies to the besieged territory.
"It's pretty jarring," said Tommy Marcus, a volunteer who goes by Quentin Quarantino on Instagram. "I'm not going to lie. I'd love to put on this really tough, confident face and say I'm totally fearless. But I'm just a normal guy, and I expect and hope to live past 30."
Marcus's sentiments were echoed by Diana Buttu, the former legal adviser to the Palestine Liberation Organization and an analyst on issues related to Palestine and Israel. "Israel's blockade of all entrances to the Gaza Strip is illegal," she stated. "The international community has consistently condemned this blockade as a collective punishment, which is prohibited under international law."
The Global Sumud Flotilla is the latest attempt to break Israel's siege on Gaza, which has been in place since 2007. The blockade has led to widespread poverty, unemployment, and a severe shortage of basic necessities such as food, water, and medicine.
Buttu emphasized that the flotilla's mission is not only about delivering aid but also about highlighting the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. "The international community needs to take concrete steps to end this blockade and allow for the free movement of people and goods into and out of Gaza," she said.
Despite the attacks by Israeli drones, the volunteers remain undeterred. "There's truly no way to deter us, I suppose, unless they kill us," Marcus said. "But let's hope that doesn't happen."
The current status of the flotilla is unclear, but it is expected to continue its mission in the coming days. The Israeli government has not commented on the attacks or the flotilla's intentions.
As the situation unfolds, international organizations and human rights groups are calling for an end to Israel's blockade and for the protection of civilians involved in the humanitarian effort. The global community remains divided on the issue, with some countries condemning Israel's actions while others have remained silent.
The fate of the Global Sumud Flotilla and its mission to deliver aid to Gaza remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the volunteers are willing to risk their lives to bring attention to the humanitarian crisis in the besieged territory.
*Reporting by Theintercept.*
