As a Jew, I Sail for Gaza to Help Break the Siege and End a Genocide
How can we atone for what has been committed in our name? How could we possibly take seriously our mandate to “heal the world” when the State of Israel is so determined to destroy it?
A view of Turkish Red Crescent providing food and medical aid to the Global Sumud Flotilla, which sets sail to deliver humanitarian assistance to Gaza, on September 29, 2025. The Turkish Red Crescent delivered food and medical aid to the ships of the 50-strong flotilla, which are continuing their voyage through the Mediterranean in the area between Crete, the island of Cyprus, and Egypt. The Global Sumud Flotilla, including dozens of ships, has been sailing towards Gaza for days. The fleet carries a large amount of humanitarian aid, particularly medical supplies, and constitutes the largest fleet to set sail for Gaza to date.
(Photo by Orhan Fatih Doan/Anadolu via Getty Images)
David Adler
Sep 30, 2025
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Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention Backs Gaza-Bound Global Sumud Flotilla
I almost never write “as a Jew.” I share the exhaustion of being forced to put Jewish feelings first—when a genocide has been committed in the name of Zionist “national interest,” and when activists have been detained, tortured, and deported in the name of our “safety.”
But today I felt compelled to write in that register—as one of the only Jews on this mission, which brings together over 500 people from more than 40 countries across the world.
If there’s any part of the Torah that I still remember, it is this obligation it bestows upon us: “Justice, justice you shall pursue.” How could we stand by while the State of Israel perverts this holy obligation, overseeing a holocaust of the Palestinian people?
I believe that the timing of our flotilla is not coincidental. On the contrary, I believe it is a blessing that we are approaching interception at the onset of Yom Kippur—our annual day of atonement—which calls on us to reflect on our sins, and what can be done to repair them in the spirit of tikkun olam.
How can we atone for what has been committed in our name? How can we seek forgiveness for sins that multiply by the hour, as bombs and bullets rain on Gaza? How could we possibly take seriously our mandate to “heal the world” when the State of Israel is so determined to destroy it?
If there’s any part of the Torah that I still remember, it is this obligation it bestows upon us: “Justice, justice you shall pursue.” How could we stand by while the State of Israel perverts this holy obligation, overseeing a holocaust of the Palestinian people?
I joined this flotilla just like any other delegate—to defend humanity, before it is too late. But on Yom Kippur, I am reminded that I am also here because my Jewish heritage demands it.
As a mere adolescent, my grandfather Jacques Adler (pictured) joined the Parisian resistance against the Nazis, putting his life on the line to sabotage their operations even as his friends and family were sent to their deaths in concentration camps.
I joined this flotilla just like any other delegate—to defend humanity, before it is too late. But on Yom Kippur, I am reminded that I am also here because my Jewish heritage demands it.
That is the tradition to which I am called, and the definition of “justice” that feels true to my Jewish identity—as the same genocidal rage that targeted my ancestors is now taken up by its principal victims.
Yom Kippur is a day of fasting, a way to manifest our atonement in physical form. But for the last two years, the starving people of Gaza have had no choice but to forgo their daily bread.
If Israeli forces intercept us on Yom Kippur, then let them see what true atonement looks like. Not fasting in comfort while starving their neighbors. Not praying in safety while dropping bombs over their heads. Atonement means action.
So as the sun sets tonight, and the fasting begins, I hope that fellow Jews will join me in redefining their approach to atonement — together with silent prayer, and toward courageous action to put an end to this horrific genocide.
G’mar chatima tova.
Our work is licensed under Creative Commons (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0). Feel free to republish and share widely.
David Adler
David Adler is a Policy Leader Fellow at the School of Transnational Governance (EUI) and the Policy Coordinator of the Democracy in Europe Movement (DiEM25)
Full Bio >
How can we atone for what has been committed in our name? How could we possibly take seriously our mandate to “heal the world” when the State of Israel is so determined to destroy it?
A view of Turkish Red Crescent providing food and medical aid to the Global Sumud Flotilla, which sets sail to deliver humanitarian assistance to Gaza, on September 29, 2025. The Turkish Red Crescent delivered food and medical aid to the ships of the 50-strong flotilla, which are continuing their voyage through the Mediterranean in the area between Crete, the island of Cyprus, and Egypt. The Global Sumud Flotilla, including dozens of ships, has been sailing towards Gaza for days. The fleet carries a large amount of humanitarian aid, particularly medical supplies, and constitutes the largest fleet to set sail for Gaza to date.
(Photo by Orhan Fatih Doan/Anadolu via Getty Images)
David Adler
Sep 30, 2025
Common Dreams
The following was posted as an open letter on social media on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, as the Global Sumud Flotilla passed into “high-risk” eastern waters of the Mediterranean Sea, closer to the besieged Gaza Strip which remains under a humanitarian blockade and military bombarment by the Israeli govenment.
Today, I am writing a very personal letter to you all — a letter about what it means to me to be Jewish on a mission that is set to arrive to the “Red Zone” during Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar.
The following was posted as an open letter on social media on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, as the Global Sumud Flotilla passed into “high-risk” eastern waters of the Mediterranean Sea, closer to the besieged Gaza Strip which remains under a humanitarian blockade and military bombarment by the Israeli govenment.
Today, I am writing a very personal letter to you all — a letter about what it means to me to be Jewish on a mission that is set to arrive to the “Red Zone” during Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar.
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Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention Backs Gaza-Bound Global Sumud Flotilla
I almost never write “as a Jew.” I share the exhaustion of being forced to put Jewish feelings first—when a genocide has been committed in the name of Zionist “national interest,” and when activists have been detained, tortured, and deported in the name of our “safety.”
But today I felt compelled to write in that register—as one of the only Jews on this mission, which brings together over 500 people from more than 40 countries across the world.
If there’s any part of the Torah that I still remember, it is this obligation it bestows upon us: “Justice, justice you shall pursue.” How could we stand by while the State of Israel perverts this holy obligation, overseeing a holocaust of the Palestinian people?
I believe that the timing of our flotilla is not coincidental. On the contrary, I believe it is a blessing that we are approaching interception at the onset of Yom Kippur—our annual day of atonement—which calls on us to reflect on our sins, and what can be done to repair them in the spirit of tikkun olam.
How can we atone for what has been committed in our name? How can we seek forgiveness for sins that multiply by the hour, as bombs and bullets rain on Gaza? How could we possibly take seriously our mandate to “heal the world” when the State of Israel is so determined to destroy it?
If there’s any part of the Torah that I still remember, it is this obligation it bestows upon us: “Justice, justice you shall pursue.” How could we stand by while the State of Israel perverts this holy obligation, overseeing a holocaust of the Palestinian people?
I joined this flotilla just like any other delegate—to defend humanity, before it is too late. But on Yom Kippur, I am reminded that I am also here because my Jewish heritage demands it.
As a mere adolescent, my grandfather Jacques Adler (pictured) joined the Parisian resistance against the Nazis, putting his life on the line to sabotage their operations even as his friends and family were sent to their deaths in concentration camps.
I joined this flotilla just like any other delegate—to defend humanity, before it is too late. But on Yom Kippur, I am reminded that I am also here because my Jewish heritage demands it.
That is the tradition to which I am called, and the definition of “justice” that feels true to my Jewish identity—as the same genocidal rage that targeted my ancestors is now taken up by its principal victims.
The author’s grandfather, Jacques Adler. (Photo: Courtesy of David Adler)
Yom Kippur is a day of fasting, a way to manifest our atonement in physical form. But for the last two years, the starving people of Gaza have had no choice but to forgo their daily bread.
If Israeli forces intercept us on Yom Kippur, then let them see what true atonement looks like. Not fasting in comfort while starving their neighbors. Not praying in safety while dropping bombs over their heads. Atonement means action.
So as the sun sets tonight, and the fasting begins, I hope that fellow Jews will join me in redefining their approach to atonement — together with silent prayer, and toward courageous action to put an end to this horrific genocide.
G’mar chatima tova.
Our work is licensed under Creative Commons (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0). Feel free to republish and share widely.
David Adler
David Adler is a Policy Leader Fellow at the School of Transnational Governance (EUI) and the Policy Coordinator of the Democracy in Europe Movement (DiEM25)
Full Bio >
September 30, 2025
A view from Global Sumud Flotilla, which is an international initiative aimed at reaching the Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid, at sea on September 30, 2025.
[Ognjen Markovic – Anadolu Agency]
An Italian naval frigate shadowing the Gaza-bound Sumud humanitarian aid flotilla will soon leave the mission as it nears 150 nautical miles from Gaza, the flotilla’s organizers said Tuesday, Anadolu reports.
“The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has informed us that the naval frigate shadowing our flotilla will soon issue a radio call, offering participants the ‘opportunity’ to abandon ship and return to shore before reaching the so-called ‘critical zone’,” the group said in a statement.
The organizers accused Rome of “sabotage,” claiming the decision was meant to “demoralize and fracture a peaceful humanitarian mission that governments have failed to take on themselves.”
They described Italy’s stance as “cowardice dressed up as diplomacy,” arguing that if Rome truly sought to protect lives, it would use its naval fleet to ensure the safe passage of volunteers to Gaza rather than act as “Israel’s enabler.”
“Every single participant on board came with full knowledge of the risks,” the statement added. “We are here because it is far more dangerous to remain silent in the face of genocide, starvation, and collective punishment than it is to sail carrying humanitarian aid.”
They vowed the mission would continue regardless of Italy’s withdrawal. “The flotilla sails onward. The Italian navy will not derail this mission,” the group said.
Italy’s General Staff announced earlier Tuesday that the frigate Alpino will issue a “final call” to activists once the flotilla reaches the 150-nautical-mile limit off Gaza, expected early Wednesday. The frigate “will not cross this boundary, ensuring that the safety of those on board is not endangered,” the statement said. It added that the ship is prepared to receive individuals who voluntarily decide to disembark, in line with security procedures and international regulations.
Defense Minister Guido Crosetto urged activists to consider a possible ceasefire initiative under US mediation and to explore alternative ways of delivering aid, while Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani reiterated that Italy’s navy would not escort the flotilla if it tries to break Israel’s blockade.
An Italian naval frigate shadowing the Gaza-bound Sumud humanitarian aid flotilla will soon leave the mission as it nears 150 nautical miles from Gaza, the flotilla’s organizers said Tuesday, Anadolu reports.
“The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has informed us that the naval frigate shadowing our flotilla will soon issue a radio call, offering participants the ‘opportunity’ to abandon ship and return to shore before reaching the so-called ‘critical zone’,” the group said in a statement.
The organizers accused Rome of “sabotage,” claiming the decision was meant to “demoralize and fracture a peaceful humanitarian mission that governments have failed to take on themselves.”
They described Italy’s stance as “cowardice dressed up as diplomacy,” arguing that if Rome truly sought to protect lives, it would use its naval fleet to ensure the safe passage of volunteers to Gaza rather than act as “Israel’s enabler.”
“Every single participant on board came with full knowledge of the risks,” the statement added. “We are here because it is far more dangerous to remain silent in the face of genocide, starvation, and collective punishment than it is to sail carrying humanitarian aid.”
They vowed the mission would continue regardless of Italy’s withdrawal. “The flotilla sails onward. The Italian navy will not derail this mission,” the group said.
Italy’s General Staff announced earlier Tuesday that the frigate Alpino will issue a “final call” to activists once the flotilla reaches the 150-nautical-mile limit off Gaza, expected early Wednesday. The frigate “will not cross this boundary, ensuring that the safety of those on board is not endangered,” the statement said. It added that the ship is prepared to receive individuals who voluntarily decide to disembark, in line with security procedures and international regulations.
Defense Minister Guido Crosetto urged activists to consider a possible ceasefire initiative under US mediation and to explore alternative ways of delivering aid, while Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani reiterated that Italy’s navy would not escort the flotilla if it tries to break Israel’s blockade.
Gaza flotilla activists stick to nonviolence as Israel readies interception
September 30, 2025
Global Sumud Flotilla, including dozens of ships, has been sailing towards Gaza for days. The fleet carries a large amount of humanitarian aid, particularly medical supplies, and constitutes the largest fleet to set sail for Gaza to date, on 29 September 2025
September 30, 2025
Global Sumud Flotilla, including dozens of ships, has been sailing towards Gaza for days. The fleet carries a large amount of humanitarian aid, particularly medical supplies, and constitutes the largest fleet to set sail for Gaza to date, on 29 September 2025
[Orhan Fatih Doğan – Anadolu Agency]
An international aid flotilla bound for Gaza has entered a critical zone known for past Israeli interceptions of humanitarian vessels attempting to break Tel Aviv’s blockade on the Palestinian enclave, Anadolu reports.
The Global Sumud Flotilla’s approach coincides with reports of unidentified military aircraft flying above the fleet, with Israel’s official broadcaster KAN reporting preparations to seize the ships.
The flotilla, composed of 50 ships carrying more than 500 activists from 40 countries, is loaded with medical and relief supplies aimed at breaking an 18-year illegal Israeli blockade amid ongoing famine and relentless bombardment of the territory.
Activists aboard the ship Specter, carrying 22 participants, told Anadolu that they are fully committed to nonviolent resistance in the event of any Israeli interception.
They said any attempt to detain them or seize their cargo would constitute a “crime under international law.” Their strategy includes filing immediate complaints with the International Criminal Court (ICC) and potentially undertaking hunger strikes.
– Humanitarian corridor
“Our message is focused on humanitarian safety. We are not here for confrontation at all,” said Abdullah Mubarak Al-Mutawa, a 46-year-old Kuwaiti businessman.
He explained that if intercepted, the activists will sit, wear life jackets, and reinforce their humanitarian message, showing no intention of defensive action.
“Our primary goal is to sail safely and deliver aid to Gaza’s shores, even if it takes time or minimal escort,” he said.
Mutawa added that all flotilla participants received first aid training and legal instructions on their rights in international waters and during possible interception or questioning.
“Any attempt to seize relief supplies is theft in international waters. We are confident our voyage from Tunisia to Gaza is 100% legal,” he said, adding that the journey has already achieved its initial aim by opening a humanitarian corridor.
He thanked Spain, Italy, and Türkiye for providing partial aerial and naval protection along the route, emphasizing that their mission does not conflict with any ongoing local or regional disputes.
“This is purely humanitarian,” he stressed.
He explained that there is a “plan” to deliver aid if the fleet is intercepted, without revealing details.
– Legal complaints
Frank Romano, 73, a lawyer representing Palestine at the ICC and a former university professor, said protocols have evolved after a previous attack at the Tunis port.
“We now have a specific protocol for drone attacks,” he said. “Participants form a circle in a protected area on the ship.
“We are ready for any type of confrontation – interception, drone attack, or conventional aggression.”
Romano, whose nationality was not specified, said that if their ship comes under fire, they will follow the captain’s instructions and put on life jackets, as the captain is the one who decides whether to abandon ship.
He acknowledged the risks posed by Israeli commando units, stressing that the best chance for survival is to avoid provocation.
“If intercepted without aggression, we will likely be detained and taken to prison,” he said, unveiling plans to file war crime complaints with the ICC if mistreated.
He added that prisoners have a prearranged plan to initiate a hunger strike and communicate with the media immediately.
Among the measures they will take, he explained, is that lawyers will file legal complaints in Israeli and international courts, in addition to holding press conferences after deportation.
– Commitment to nonviolence
Abu Bakr Rivek, 24, an Australian marketing professional, emphasized the flotilla’s peaceful mission.
“We carry no weapons and intend no harm. We do not aim to commit any illegal act. Israel, by contrast, has a long record of violating international law,” he said.
Rivek said any potential Israeli interception would constitute an illegal act under international law, describing forced removal to Israel as kidnapping.
“We comply with international law. The question is whether Israel will allow us to deliver humanitarian aid to a population facing mass killing,” he said, calling on governments to exert pressure to halt the violence.
– Peaceful resistance
French human rights activist Bruno Moussouzi, 34, stressed the importance of avoiding unnecessary provocation.
“Our red lines include no contact with Israeli forces and strict nonviolence,” she said, noting that the aid flotilla has global public support.
Moussouzi acknowledged the risks, including potential detention by Israel and facing terrorism charges.
“We can endure a few days of this. We cannot remain silent when there is an opportunity for peaceful resistance.”
On Tuesday, Israel’s official broadcaster KAN reported the flotilla had entered Israel’s interception zone, with the navy preparing to seize the ships.
Israeli authorities plan to transfer the flotilla activists to a large warship and tow the vessels to the port of Ashdod, with the possibility that some may sink, KAN reported. Israel has ruled out allowing the flotilla to reach Gaza, according to political directives.
The flotilla, loaded mainly with humanitarian aid and medical supplies, set sail several days ago in a bid to break the Israeli blockade.
This marks the first time in years that dozens of ships have sailed together toward Gaza, home to about 2.4 million Palestinians and under Israeli blockade for roughly 18 years.
Israel tightened the siege further on March 2 by closing all border crossings and blocking food, medicine and aid, pushing Gaza into famine despite aid trucks piling up at its borders.
The Israeli army has killed over 66,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children, in Gaza since October 2023. The relentless bombardment has rendered the enclave uninhabitable and led to starvation and the spread of diseases.
An international aid flotilla bound for Gaza has entered a critical zone known for past Israeli interceptions of humanitarian vessels attempting to break Tel Aviv’s blockade on the Palestinian enclave, Anadolu reports.
The Global Sumud Flotilla’s approach coincides with reports of unidentified military aircraft flying above the fleet, with Israel’s official broadcaster KAN reporting preparations to seize the ships.
The flotilla, composed of 50 ships carrying more than 500 activists from 40 countries, is loaded with medical and relief supplies aimed at breaking an 18-year illegal Israeli blockade amid ongoing famine and relentless bombardment of the territory.
Activists aboard the ship Specter, carrying 22 participants, told Anadolu that they are fully committed to nonviolent resistance in the event of any Israeli interception.
They said any attempt to detain them or seize their cargo would constitute a “crime under international law.” Their strategy includes filing immediate complaints with the International Criminal Court (ICC) and potentially undertaking hunger strikes.
– Humanitarian corridor
“Our message is focused on humanitarian safety. We are not here for confrontation at all,” said Abdullah Mubarak Al-Mutawa, a 46-year-old Kuwaiti businessman.
He explained that if intercepted, the activists will sit, wear life jackets, and reinforce their humanitarian message, showing no intention of defensive action.
“Our primary goal is to sail safely and deliver aid to Gaza’s shores, even if it takes time or minimal escort,” he said.
Mutawa added that all flotilla participants received first aid training and legal instructions on their rights in international waters and during possible interception or questioning.
“Any attempt to seize relief supplies is theft in international waters. We are confident our voyage from Tunisia to Gaza is 100% legal,” he said, adding that the journey has already achieved its initial aim by opening a humanitarian corridor.
He thanked Spain, Italy, and Türkiye for providing partial aerial and naval protection along the route, emphasizing that their mission does not conflict with any ongoing local or regional disputes.
“This is purely humanitarian,” he stressed.
He explained that there is a “plan” to deliver aid if the fleet is intercepted, without revealing details.
– Legal complaints
Frank Romano, 73, a lawyer representing Palestine at the ICC and a former university professor, said protocols have evolved after a previous attack at the Tunis port.
“We now have a specific protocol for drone attacks,” he said. “Participants form a circle in a protected area on the ship.
“We are ready for any type of confrontation – interception, drone attack, or conventional aggression.”
Romano, whose nationality was not specified, said that if their ship comes under fire, they will follow the captain’s instructions and put on life jackets, as the captain is the one who decides whether to abandon ship.
He acknowledged the risks posed by Israeli commando units, stressing that the best chance for survival is to avoid provocation.
“If intercepted without aggression, we will likely be detained and taken to prison,” he said, unveiling plans to file war crime complaints with the ICC if mistreated.
He added that prisoners have a prearranged plan to initiate a hunger strike and communicate with the media immediately.
Among the measures they will take, he explained, is that lawyers will file legal complaints in Israeli and international courts, in addition to holding press conferences after deportation.
– Commitment to nonviolence
Abu Bakr Rivek, 24, an Australian marketing professional, emphasized the flotilla’s peaceful mission.
“We carry no weapons and intend no harm. We do not aim to commit any illegal act. Israel, by contrast, has a long record of violating international law,” he said.
Rivek said any potential Israeli interception would constitute an illegal act under international law, describing forced removal to Israel as kidnapping.
“We comply with international law. The question is whether Israel will allow us to deliver humanitarian aid to a population facing mass killing,” he said, calling on governments to exert pressure to halt the violence.
– Peaceful resistance
French human rights activist Bruno Moussouzi, 34, stressed the importance of avoiding unnecessary provocation.
“Our red lines include no contact with Israeli forces and strict nonviolence,” she said, noting that the aid flotilla has global public support.
Moussouzi acknowledged the risks, including potential detention by Israel and facing terrorism charges.
“We can endure a few days of this. We cannot remain silent when there is an opportunity for peaceful resistance.”
On Tuesday, Israel’s official broadcaster KAN reported the flotilla had entered Israel’s interception zone, with the navy preparing to seize the ships.
Israeli authorities plan to transfer the flotilla activists to a large warship and tow the vessels to the port of Ashdod, with the possibility that some may sink, KAN reported. Israel has ruled out allowing the flotilla to reach Gaza, according to political directives.
The flotilla, loaded mainly with humanitarian aid and medical supplies, set sail several days ago in a bid to break the Israeli blockade.
This marks the first time in years that dozens of ships have sailed together toward Gaza, home to about 2.4 million Palestinians and under Israeli blockade for roughly 18 years.
Israel tightened the siege further on March 2 by closing all border crossings and blocking food, medicine and aid, pushing Gaza into famine despite aid trucks piling up at its borders.
The Israeli army has killed over 66,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children, in Gaza since October 2023. The relentless bombardment has rendered the enclave uninhabitable and led to starvation and the spread of diseases.
Israeli Navy prepares to intercept aid flotilla as convoy approaches Gaza shores: Media
September 30, 2025
A Gaza aid flotilla is approaching the coast of the Gaza Strip, becoming 150 nautical miles from the Israel-besieged territory, Israeli media said Tuesday, Anadolu reports.
“More than 50 ships from the Global Sumud Flotilla have entered Israel’s interception range and are roughly 150 miles from Gaza,” Israel’s public broadcaster KAN said.
“The Israeli Navy continues preparations to seize the ships at sea,” it added.
Due to the large number of vessels, the military is preparing to transfer activists to a large warship and tow the vessels to Ashdod Port in southern Israel, with the possibility that some may sink during the operation, the outlet said.
It stressed that Israel’s political leadership has ordered the military not to allow the aid flotilla to enter Gaza “under any circumstances.”
Earlier Tuesday, Amnesty International issued a statement urging protection for the flotilla as it approached Gaza’s shores, voicing concern over Israeli threats.
On Sunday, KAN reported that Israel was preparing to seize the ships, echoing previous operations against the Madleen and Handala vessels, which Israel intercepted in June and July.
The flotilla, loaded mainly with humanitarian aid and medical supplies, set sail several days ago in a bid to break the Israeli blockade.
This marks the first time in years that dozens of ships have sailed together toward Gaza, home to about 2.4 million Palestinians and under Israeli blockade for roughly 18 years.
Israel tightened the siege further on March 2 by closing all border crossings and blocking food, medicine and aid, pushing Gaza into famine despite aid trucks piling up at its borders.
The Israeli army has killed over 66,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children, in Gaza since October 2023. The relentless bombardment has rendered the enclave uninhabitable and led to starvation and the spread of diseases.
September 30, 2025
A Gaza aid flotilla is approaching the coast of the Gaza Strip, becoming 150 nautical miles from the Israel-besieged territory, Israeli media said Tuesday, Anadolu reports.
“More than 50 ships from the Global Sumud Flotilla have entered Israel’s interception range and are roughly 150 miles from Gaza,” Israel’s public broadcaster KAN said.
“The Israeli Navy continues preparations to seize the ships at sea,” it added.
Due to the large number of vessels, the military is preparing to transfer activists to a large warship and tow the vessels to Ashdod Port in southern Israel, with the possibility that some may sink during the operation, the outlet said.
It stressed that Israel’s political leadership has ordered the military not to allow the aid flotilla to enter Gaza “under any circumstances.”
Earlier Tuesday, Amnesty International issued a statement urging protection for the flotilla as it approached Gaza’s shores, voicing concern over Israeli threats.
On Sunday, KAN reported that Israel was preparing to seize the ships, echoing previous operations against the Madleen and Handala vessels, which Israel intercepted in June and July.
The flotilla, loaded mainly with humanitarian aid and medical supplies, set sail several days ago in a bid to break the Israeli blockade.
This marks the first time in years that dozens of ships have sailed together toward Gaza, home to about 2.4 million Palestinians and under Israeli blockade for roughly 18 years.
Israel tightened the siege further on March 2 by closing all border crossings and blocking food, medicine and aid, pushing Gaza into famine despite aid trucks piling up at its borders.
The Israeli army has killed over 66,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children, in Gaza since October 2023. The relentless bombardment has rendered the enclave uninhabitable and led to starvation and the spread of diseases.
Amnesty International calls for protection for Gaza-bound aid flotilla amid Israeli threats
A view from Global Sumud Flotilla, which is an international initiative aimed at reaching the Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid, at sea on September 30, 2025.
September 30, 2025
A view from Global Sumud Flotilla, which is an international initiative aimed at reaching the Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid, at sea on September 30, 2025.
Ognjen Markovic – Anadolu Agency
Human rights group Amnesty International called Tuesday for protection for an aid flotilla sailing toward Gaza to break Israel’s blockade on the enclave, expressing concern over Israeli threats to the convoy, Anadolu reports.
In a statement, the London-based organization voiced “deep concern over the (Israeli) threats against the Global Sumud Flotilla heading to Gaza to deliver urgent, life-saving humanitarian aid.”
Amnesty warned that as the flotilla approaches a “highly dangerous area,” fears are growing that Israeli forces may intercept the convoy, citing Israeli media reports that the military is planning an operation roughly 180 kilometers off Gaza’s coast – outside Israel’s territorial waters.
Israel’s public broadcaster KAN said Tuesday that the military is preparing to intercept the convoy and tow the vessels to Ashdod Port in southern Israel.
The rights group said the fleet includes more than 40 ships and hundreds of activists from 44 countries, describing the mission as a “peaceful initiative aimed at breaking Israel’s illegal blockade of Gaza,” in place for 18 years.
The flotilla’s departure, Amnesty said, comes amid “systematic famine, the collapse of the health care system, and a comprehensive (Israeli) blockade,” making humanitarian deliveries “an urgent and necessary act of solidarity.”
It said Arab League member states have a “special responsibility to protect their nationals on board,” and that countries in the region also bear a “moral and political responsibility toward the illegal blockade of Gaza.”
Amnesty called on governments to “publicly condemn any (potential) attack or obstruction of the flotilla and demand immediate protection for all participants.”
The flotilla, loaded mainly with humanitarian aid and medical supplies, set sail several days ago in a bid to break the Israeli blockade.
This marks the first time in years that dozens of ships have sailed together toward Gaza, home to about 2.4 million Palestinians and under Israeli blockade for roughly 18 years.
Israel tightened the siege further on March 2 by closing all border crossings and blocking food, medicine and aid, pushing Gaza into famine despite aid trucks piling up at its borders.
The Israeli army has killed over 66,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children, in Gaza since October 2023. The relentless bombardment has rendered the enclave uninhabitable and led to starvation and the spread of diseases.
Human rights group Amnesty International called Tuesday for protection for an aid flotilla sailing toward Gaza to break Israel’s blockade on the enclave, expressing concern over Israeli threats to the convoy, Anadolu reports.
In a statement, the London-based organization voiced “deep concern over the (Israeli) threats against the Global Sumud Flotilla heading to Gaza to deliver urgent, life-saving humanitarian aid.”
Amnesty warned that as the flotilla approaches a “highly dangerous area,” fears are growing that Israeli forces may intercept the convoy, citing Israeli media reports that the military is planning an operation roughly 180 kilometers off Gaza’s coast – outside Israel’s territorial waters.
Israel’s public broadcaster KAN said Tuesday that the military is preparing to intercept the convoy and tow the vessels to Ashdod Port in southern Israel.
The rights group said the fleet includes more than 40 ships and hundreds of activists from 44 countries, describing the mission as a “peaceful initiative aimed at breaking Israel’s illegal blockade of Gaza,” in place for 18 years.
The flotilla’s departure, Amnesty said, comes amid “systematic famine, the collapse of the health care system, and a comprehensive (Israeli) blockade,” making humanitarian deliveries “an urgent and necessary act of solidarity.”
It said Arab League member states have a “special responsibility to protect their nationals on board,” and that countries in the region also bear a “moral and political responsibility toward the illegal blockade of Gaza.”
Amnesty called on governments to “publicly condemn any (potential) attack or obstruction of the flotilla and demand immediate protection for all participants.”
The flotilla, loaded mainly with humanitarian aid and medical supplies, set sail several days ago in a bid to break the Israeli blockade.
This marks the first time in years that dozens of ships have sailed together toward Gaza, home to about 2.4 million Palestinians and under Israeli blockade for roughly 18 years.
Israel tightened the siege further on March 2 by closing all border crossings and blocking food, medicine and aid, pushing Gaza into famine despite aid trucks piling up at its borders.
The Israeli army has killed over 66,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children, in Gaza since October 2023. The relentless bombardment has rendered the enclave uninhabitable and led to starvation and the spread of diseases.
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