[Editor’s Note: The Fair Lady, carrying Dr. Zaheera, is reportedly intercepted by Israeli forces. For the latest updates, click here.]
“We are okay,” reported Dr. Zaheera Soomar from the UAE, part of the Global Sumud flotilla still en route to Gaza, amid other convoy vessels facing interception.
Dr. Zaheera shared that her boat, Fair Lady, remains the last in the convoy, successfully avoiding capture. By 7:20 am UAE time on Thursday, she informed Khaleej Times, “We are okay. Continuing our sail to Gaza.” She expressed optimism that some boats might evade interception to deliver aid.
On social media, she earlier noted at 4 am UAE time a warship’s approach to her vessel. “Contact made. We might need to dispose of phones, just in case,” she wrote. Thirty minutes later, she updated that there was no interception yet. “The warship hasn’t approached; it’s preoccupied with other boats.”
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According to the Global Sumud flotilla’s official account, her boat is one of at least 30 vessels now 46 nautical miles from Gaza.
At least 13 fleet boats have been seized by Israeli forces, who began boarding and controlling the ships. Videos from the account show forces storming the vessel Alma, with 29 people aboard.
“Live-streams and communications are down. Participants and crew status remains unknown. This is an unlawful attack on unarmed humanitarians,” the account stated.
Other intercepted boats include Adara, Spectre, Aurora, Dir Yassine, Huga, and Yulara. Videos from Dr. Zaheera and others show Israeli forces using water cannons on the flotilla boats.
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Challenging Voyage
Dr. Zaheera has been consistently updating on their challenging sail to Gaza, facing rough seas and sabotage attempts.
Over the last month, the flotilla has suffered suspected drone attacks. Some vessels were irreparably damaged, leading to a reorganization among the remaining boats.
Recently, Dr. Zaheera shared she has been surviving on toast due to seasickness. She told Khaleej Times earlier about her commitment to the mission, preparing wills before the journey.
About the Flotilla
The Global Sumud Flotilla, with about 45 vessels and 497 participants, including Greta Thunberg from 46 countries, aims to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza. The boats carry 300 tonnes of essential supplies, such as food, water, and medicine, for Gaza.
Israel has vowed to prevent the flotilla from reaching Gaza, claiming the volunteers intend to “breach a lawful naval blockade.” Despite international law deeming the interceptions illegal, Israel has previously stopped flotillas and detained activists.
In 2010, Israel’s boarding of a flotilla resulted in 10 activists’ deaths. The Global Sumud represents the largest effort yet to break the blockade.
