Fears of storms with Israeli blockade, how far will the Sumud flotilla advance?

The Global Sumud Flotilla live tracker reported that the boat Mikeno entered Gaza's territorial waters around 1:00 pm Bangladesh time, approximately 14 kilometers from the Gaza coast.

Organizers noted that the Israeli navy is obstructing boats heading toward Gaza, though several vessels, including Mikeno, continue toward the coast. As of 1:00 pm, 24 boats were en route to Gaza.

Bangladeshi human rights activist and photographer Shahidul Alam, aboard the Conscience Flotilla, posted on Facebook around 1:00 pm, stating his boat is the last in the flotilla.

Greek authorities issued a storm warning, prompting the captain to increase speed to outrun the storm, following another storm encounter the previous night (Wednesday).

Alam’s boat lags behind others, some of which have already faced attacks. He emphasised their determination to reach Gaza undeterred.

The Global Peace Flotilla, comprising about 50 ships and 500 workers from various countries, carried symbolic humanitarian aid, including food and medicine, for Gaza’s residents. On Wednesday night, Israeli forces intercepted 13 ships, detaining over 200 activists, including Swedish activist Greta Thunberg.

Jordanian Al Jazeera journalist Noor Odeh reported that the Israeli Foreign Ministry released photos of the detainees, who are being transported to the port of Ashdod. Boats nearing Israeli ships are losing contact, with many workers discarding their phones into the sea to avoid arrest or harassment, complicating communication efforts.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry stated that the detainees are safe and their deportation process to Europe will soon begin.