The Global Sumud Flotilla continues its journey towards the Gaza Strip in an attempt to break the siege imposed for years; activists aboard the ships confirmed they are now less than 300 kilometers from the strip.

Among the ships approaching Gaza is the “Deir Yassin” vessel, which includes Moroccans Ayoub Hebraoui and Aziz Ghali, while other ships carry Abdelazim Benadrawi and Youssef Ghallal.

Ayoub Hebraoui, a member of the flotilla’s steering committee and Morocco’s representative, said the flotilla’s arrival could be “either tonight or tomorrow morning,” depending on sailing speed.

Hebraoui told Hespress that concerns focus on a possible interception by the Israeli navy, which might arrest activists, subject them to torture, or prevent their return to their countries. He added, “Our demands are clear: we want to return to our countries, and we will start a hunger strike immediately upon arrest until everyone is returned.”

Hebraoui also emphasized the Moroccan activists’ rejection of any diplomatic intervention from the Israeli liaison office in Rabat, considering that any mediation should be exclusively through the Moroccan embassy in Ramallah or Jordan.

Meanwhile, Abdelhaq Benqadi, representative of the Arab Lawyers Union on the flotilla, revealed that some ships remain in Italian ports due to mechanical failures or logistical obstacles. He explained that the “Family Nusantara” ship is undergoing maintenance before resuming the journey, while about ten other ships remain stuck at Porto Paulo port for technical or organizational reasons.

Benqadi told Hespress that eight ships had previously departed from Italy as part of the Freedom Flotilla, while the “Palestine” ship and another accompanying it are currently sailing near Greece. He added that the “Dameer” ship, carrying several Italian journalists, is expected to depart soon.

Benqadi confirmed that recent Israeli statements indicate that naval commando units have been assigned the mission to intercept the ships and immobilize them. He considered that “the most likely scenario is the mass arrest of participants or their exposure to attacks,” adding that the legal delegation aboard the flotilla is collecting reports and documenting any potential assaults in preparation to submit them to the International Criminal Court.

Despite difficulties, participants insist on moving forward towards Gaza, considering the flotilla itself a political and humanitarian message. Organizers affirm their goal is not only to deliver aid but to break the international silence and highlight the suffering of the besieged population.

Previously, Aziz Ghali, Vice President of the International Federation for Human Rights and member of the International Coordination Office of the People’s Health Movement, issued a call announcing his intention to undertake a hunger strike if flotilla participants are arrested.

Ghali said: “Today, Tuesday, September 30, and 180 kilometers from Gaza’s shores, Israel is preparing to commit a crime in broad daylight: intercepting the Global Sumud Flotilla, sending an armed commando team to kidnap crews of more than forty humanitarian ships, and detaining them in a military prison for several days.”

He continued: “I will start an open hunger strike from the moment of interception until the release of all volunteers, without exception… We will not allow humanity to become a crime, nor will we let global conscience be silenced.”

He added: “I call on all free people, human rights organizations, independent media, and anyone with a voice or pen to rise now to confront this aggression: demand the cessation of this crime.”