Flotilla signals global frustration over Gaza aid blockade
While flotillas are less efficient than trucks, Carroll said their greatest value is in raising global awareness.
SHAH ALAM – The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) has become a powerful symbol of solidarity and defiance as international frustration grows over the restricted flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
American Near East Refugee Aid (Anera) president and chief executive officer (CEO) Sean Carroll said the flotilla reflects the desperation of those seeking to help Palestinians while conventional aid routes remain blocked.
“The situation is desperate and the vast majority of people and governments around the world want to help by providing aid and opportunities for a better future.
“What should be the most efficient way, delivering humanitarian aid in trucks across the borders, is simply not happening at the scale it needs to,” he said during an episode of Palestinian Diaries on Sinar Daily recently.
Carroll explained that land convoys remain the most effective way to deliver food and medicine but have been throttled by political obstacles.
“The capacity is there. The logistics are there. This is a question of political will,” he stressed, adding that governments have resorted to airdrops and sea missions because trucks are not entering Gaza at the scale required.
While flotillas are less efficient than trucks, Carroll said their greatest value is in raising global awareness.
“They want to call the world’s attention to the issue and we have to applaud that. They are brave, because there is no guarantee of their safety,” he added.
He warned that restrictions on aid are causing preventable deaths from starvation and disease, separate from the casualties of the Israeli occupation on Gaza.
“Pressure needs to be applied on all parties for a ceasefire and an increase in aid – especially on Israel and its allies,” Carroll said.
Carroll emphasised that the United Nations has declared a genocide, noting that experts attribute this not only to the ongoing occupation, which inevitably causes death and injury, but also to the deliberate obstruction of humanitarian aid, which leads to preventable deaths outside the fighting.
He said Israel should reflect on the situation, as even within the country there are growing calls to end the occupation and allow more aid to enter.
Carroll urged people to set aside fear and hatred and recognise that, for the sake of all humanity, a change in course is urgently needed.
The GSF mission brought together over 44 civilian boats carrying some 500 activists, delivering essential food and medical supplies to Gaza.
Israel has since intercepted all the vessels in the GSF, claiming the volunteers were trying to “breach a lawful naval blockade”. Organisers however said international law is clear that humanitarian aid should be let through.
People from 37 countries took part in GSF, including from Spain, Italy, Turkiye and Malaysia.
The flotilla’s voyage has drawn global attention, and the detention of activists has triggered protests in cities including Rome, Buenos Aires and Istanbul.
Those held included climate activist Greta Thunberg, former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau and European Parliament member Rima Hassan.
At press time, 134 activists had been released while 328 others were still being held by the Israeli.
Another wave of flotilla, under the Freedom Flotilla Coalition which is sailing to Gaza, is expected to enter the yellow zone today.
This would enable the mission involving nine vessels,including the flagship Conscience and the Umm Saad vessel to arrive in Gaza before this weekend.
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