The Global Sumud Flotilla, a convoy of humanitarian aid ships sailing toward Gaza, reported being circled, jammed and intimidated in international waters as they drew closer to the coastline on Wednesday, 1 October 2025.
Speaking virtually at a press briefing from on board the ships, participants described tense encounters with Israeli naval fleets but insisted that their mission will not stop.
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Threats at sea and who endures them
On board the Alma, steering committee member Thiago Ávila explained how naval fleets circled for six minutes, disrupting communication systems and creating electronic damage. He described this as an attempt to deter the flotilla but said the journey will continue.
Lisi Proenca, on board Sirius, recalled her night watch duty, “It didn’t hit our boat, but it came really close,” she said. She described how the crew followed protocol to prepare for a possible attack, staying on high alert, watching the sky, and putting on life vests. At times, the approaching boats seemed to retreat, and the crew briefly lowered their alert level before resuming it when the vessels returned.
She said the unidentified boats came close, circled for about 15 minutes, jammed their communications and shone lights from under the water. “It didn’t hit our boat but it came really close. We are only carrying humanitarian aid … we were scared. You could feel the tension in everybody.”
When the boats finally moved off, participants broke into chants of “Free free Palestine,” making it clear that their resolve was unshaken. “For me that was intimidation and psychological warfare,” said Proenca.
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Why they go and how they respond
Hazami Barmada stressed that those on board are trained in non-violence and remain steadfast in their mission. “The flotilla is carrying courage,” she emphasized.
International lawyer Lamis Deek of the PAL Commission addressed the obligations of states whose citizens are on board. She warned that governments abandoning the flotilla had made a “mockery of logic” and placed lives and sovereignty at risk.
To the participants she said: “You have come into power as witnesses of the truth. You do not only have more courage than all governments, but now you have the power to change governments. The law is on your side. The world is on your side and the world is listening.”
Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories, called the flotilla’s work “absolutely legal,” insisting that Gaza waters do not fall under Israel’s authority. “If the flotilla were to be intercepted this would not just be a collective punishment, it would be another violation of international law and the law of the sea which prohibits unlawful interceptions. Gaza waters are not under the legitimate authority of Israel.”
She added: “People must continue to unite for this to end. This is a miracle that the flotilla is doing, so keep on mobilizing.”
Saif Abukeshek of the Global Sumud Flotilla confirmed that interception is expected at any moment as the ships enter the declared “danger zone.” “We estimate arriving in Gaza on Thursday morning,” he said. He explained that training covers scenarios of failure, interception and medical emergencies, with plans to coordinate with hospitals in Gaza. “Hopefully we manage this time and if not we will come back again. Air land or sea, we will continue mobilizing.”
Wherever people are in the world, organisers said, there is something they can do. Supporters were asked to follow official flotilla pages and honour the civilians risking their lives on board.
For more updates, follow their website: https://globalsumudflotilla.org/
Image: Greenpeace
