ROME/ATHENS: Some 20 unidentified vessels have been seen approaching the international flotilla trying to deliver aid to Gaza on Wednesday (Oct 1) night time, a number of folks on board mentioned, as passengers placed on life vests and braced for a takeover.
The International Sumud Flotilla, which consists of greater than 40 civilian boats carrying about 500 parliamentarians, legal professionals and activists, together with Swedish local weather campaigner Greta Thunberg, is attempting to interrupt Israel’s blockade of Gaza with medication and meals, regardless of repeated warnings from Israel to show again.
It’s now inside 90 nautical miles of the war-ravaged Strip.
The flotilla organisers mentioned in a press release that they’d detected not less than 20 vessels on their radar about 3 nautical miles forward of the fleet.
“This will likely sign a possible naval blockade. However let it’s clear: we won’t be intimidated by threats, harassment, or efforts to guard Israel’s unlawful siege on Gaza,” it mentioned.
It’s not clear who is working the vessels. Israeli officers didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark. A reside video feed from one of many boats within the flotilla confirmed passengers in life vests sitting in a circle on deck.
“They’re already coming for us. Two dozen vessels are ready for us,” Jose Luis Ybot, a passenger on the flotilla, mentioned in a video posted on social media.
