Global Sumud flotilla approaches Egypt's northern coast, organisers say

ISTANBUL: The Global Sumud aid flotilla bound for Gaza has reached a point north of Marsa Matrouh on Egypt's Mediterranean coast, its organisers announced Sunday, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported.

AI Brief

A 44-vessel flotilla is sailing toward Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid and challenge Israel's blockade.
The fleet includes a boat with over 100 journalists and doctors, set to depart on October 1.
Organisers warn of possible Israeli attacks and urge global attention as the flotilla enters a high-risk zone.

The fleet is expected to sail within hours to waters north of the city of Alexandria, the International Committee for Breaking the Siege on Gaza said on the US social media company X platform.

"We expect the Zionists to commit a war crime against us at any time as we are getting closer to Gaza," it added.

"Our fleet now stands at 44 vessels, strengthened by the recent launch of two new boats sailing towards the fleet."

It added that "in just two days, the flotilla will enter the high-risk zone. Our determination is absolute, but this is the moment where your global vigilance and solidarity are needed most."

Earlier, the committee said it would dispatch a boat carrying journalists and medical professionals to the Israel-blockaded Gaza Strip.

In a statement, it said the vessel, set to sail on Oct 1, will carry over 100 international media workers and doctors.

The flotilla set sail earlier this month to break Israel's blockade on Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid, particularly medical supplies, to the war-ravaged enclave.

Since March 2, Israel has fully closed Gaza's crossings, blocking food and aid convoys and deepening famine conditions in the enclave. Only limited supplies are sporadically allowed in, and many are looted by armed groups that Gaza authorities accuse Israel of protecting.

Israel, as the occupying power, has a record of intercepting ships headed to Gaza, seizing vessels and deporting activists. Critics describe such actions as piracy.

The Israeli army has killed over 66,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children, in Gaza since October 2023. The relentless bombardment has rendered the enclave uninhabitable and led to starvation and the spread of diseases.

-- BERNAMA