Over 500 aboard Gaza-bound flotillas to break blockade

Malaysian News--MOSCOW: More than 500 people are aboard three flotillas currently crossing the Mediterranean Sea in an attempt to break the blockade of the Gaza Strip, Rudeina Zomita, an activist from the Global Sumud Flotilla, told RIA Novosti.

"Three flotillas are currently crossing the Mediterranean Sea in order to break the blockade of the Gaza Strip – the Global Sumud Flotilla, which includes 40–42 vessels; eight vessels of the Freedom Flotilla; and one vessel from the Omar Al Mokhtar Flotilla [a Libyan ship carrying medical equipment]. The total number of participants is 532 people," Zomita said.

Forty-one vessels are currently sailing together in the Global Sumud Flotilla, with another one expected to join soon, followed by two additional ships from Turkiye, the activist said. The participating vessels fly the flags of the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, France, Poland, Tunisia and Portugal.

Meanwhile, the Turkish Defence Ministry said that its ships were monitoring the progress of the Freedom Flotilla to the Gaza Strip and were prepared to provide humanitarian assistance if needed. Ankara will continue to protect humanitarian values and innocent civilians, the ministry added.

Turkish media reported that at least two Turkish drones were patrolling the area around the flotilla, though this information has not been officially confirmed.

Earlier in the day, the Global Sumud Flotilla said that it was entering Israel's interception zone. Swedish eco-activist Greta Thunberg told CNN that she had joined the flotilla.

Previous attempts by aid flotillas to break the blockade of the Gaza Strip have been unsuccessful. In June, the Madleen humanitarian ship carrying Thunberg, along with 12 activists and journalists, was heading towards Gaza, but Israeli forces intercepted it in international waters, detained and deported the crew.

In July, the Handala vessel was intercepted by Israel and the volunteers on board were kidnapped. In September, the Alma ship was attacked using a drone while docked in the port of Sidi Bou Said in Tunisia.

On 24 Sept, drones attacked at least 10 vessels in the Global Sumud Flotilla, Al Jazeera reported. As a result of the attacks, material damage was caused, but no injuries were reported. After that, the authorities of Italy and Spain sent warships to escort the flotilla.