A group of Australian activists on board an aid flotilla bound for Gaza claim they have “outsmarted” Israeli forces and are still on course to reach the besieged Palestinian enclave.
Australian filmmaker Juliet Lamont posted on Instagram that their vessel Wahoo, part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, is now 49 nautical miles — about four hours — from Gaza’s coast. “We’re up the front, and they haven’t got us yet,” she said. “If we can keep outsmarting them, we might get there and break the siege for Palestine.”
Lamont said activists on board are prepared to risk their lives to deliver humanitarian aid, adding that “ordinary people have been willing to use their privilege and put their bodies on the line for Gaza.”
The flotilla, comprising nearly 50 boats and 500 activists — including Mandla Mandela and former Barcelona Mayor Ada Colau — set sail from Barcelona last month. According to organisers, three vessels (Sirius, Alma, and Adara) have already been intercepted by Israel, with passengers, including Greta Thunberg, being detained and set for deportation.
Turkey condemned the interceptions as “an act of terrorism,” while Italy urged caution. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez defended the mission, describing it as “purely humanitarian.”
The Global Sumud Flotilla seeks to challenge Israel’s 18-year maritime blockade on Gaza, citing international law provisions that allow for the delivery of humanitarian aid to civilian populations under siege.
