Sumud Flotilla sails within 120 nautical miles of Gaza coast

The Global Sumud Flotilla has sailed within 120 nautical miles of Gaza after what participants described as a night of harassment by Israeli naval vessels. Organizers, international lawyers, and observers, including UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese, have highlighted the incident as the flotilla presses ahead with its attempt to challenge Israel’s blockade.

In a post on X, Albanese criticised European governments for what she called their failure to act. “120nm from Gaza after a night of harassment,” she wrote. “If intercepted, delegates will not resist and be abducted.”

She added: “Look at Europe: unable to confront the Mediterranean bully with its navies while ordinary people from 44 countries risk everything.” Her post ended with a sharp condemnation: “Rotten politics killing.”

David Adler, one of the activists on board, also posted on X, warning that his words might be his last before interception. “I fear this will be the final letter that I write to you from the Global Sumud Flotilla — now just 120 NM from the shores of Gaza,” he wrote.

According to Adler, several Israeli naval ships approached the convoy during the night. “They attacked our vessels, intimidated our crew, and disabled our communications,” he said.

Dear friends,

I fear this will be the final letter that I write to you from the Global Sumud Flotilla — now just 120 NM from the shores of Gaza.

Last night, several Israeli naval ships menaced our convoy. They attacked our vessels, intimidated our crew, and disabled our… pic.twitter.com/mMV2EEMt0i

— David Adler (@davidrkadler) October 1, 2025

He added that these actions were familiar from earlier flotilla missions. “We know that they are the precursor to what we have long feared: illegal Israeli abduction in international waters.”

Adler said the participants were prepared. “As I write this, we are preparing ourselves for such an imminent attack. We know the procedures. We know the protocols. When they board our boats, we will not resist. We are ready.”

He explained that those on board planned to document everything. “From our cell phones and our CCTVs, we will do our best to record events. We will transmit it to the world. And we will rely on you to spread the word about this criminal attack.”

Despite anticipating interception, Adler argued that the mission had already fulfilled part of its purpose. “Even if we do not complete our mission this time, the Sumud flotilla has already achieved so much,” he wrote.

Also Read: Israeli warship approaches Gaza bound flotilla, renders lead ship inoperative

He pointed to renewed global attention. “The flotilla has rallied the world’s attention once again to the suffering of the people of Gaza.”

He also cited broader mobilization. “The flotilla has joined land and sea in the mass mobilization of millions.”

Adler said it had forced governments into uncomfortable positions. “The flotilla has forced reluctant states into active confrontation with the illegal siege that has starved the people of Palestine and robbed them of their right to self-determination.”