KUALA LUMPUR: The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) convoy endured tense moments after allegedly being subjected to intimidation by Israeli regime drones, some of which were said to have blown up in mid-air during the encounter.
Director-general and spokesman for the Sumud Nusantara Flotilla Command Centre Datuk Dr Ahmad Sani Araby Al-Kahery said the convoy had been subjected to a series of intimidation tactics, with as many as 15 drones flying at low altitudes in repeated intervals of 10 minutes.
"In addition, eight aerial explosions were reported in the surrounding airspace by both the delegation and nearby vessels, believed to be a deliberate show of threat against this mission,” he said in a post on the sumudnusantaraofficial Instagram account on Wednesday (Sept 24).
Ahmad Sani Araby added that the drones were also suspected to be used by the regime for surveillance and intelligence-gathering purposes.
He said all 34 Malaysian delegates taking part in the humanitarian flotilla mission to Gaza remain safe.
Ahmad Sani Araby said the flotilla is currently in the grey zone, navigating Greek waters about 750 nautical miles (1,389km) from Gaza, and has yet to enter the designated yellow or red zones.
He noted that this was the fourth such disturbance since the team began its journey across the Mediterranean, acts which are believed to be deliberate attempts to intimidate and threaten the humanitarian activists on board.
Reaffirming the convoy’s objectives, he stressed that the mission is strictly non-violent, aimed at delivering humanitarian aid and calling for an immediate end to war and famine.
"We urge national and global leaders to take immediate action against this provocation targeting a group of civilian humanitarian activists,” he said.
The GSF comprises more than 50 vessels carrying participants from various countries, including doctors, journalists and activists, with the mission of challenging the Israeli blockade and delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza.
The ongoing Israeli military offensive has claimed over 65,000 Palestinian lives and left Gaza in ruins, with its population now facing widespread famine. – Bernama
