Last boat of Sumud Flotilla presses forward even amid Israel interceptions

Jerusalem: The only boat still sailing in the aid flotilla bound for Gaza continued its journey on Friday, even after Israeli naval forces intercepted the other vessels which sparked global protests.

The Global Sumud Flotilla, made up of dozens of ships carrying politicians and activists, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, had set off last month toward Gaza, where the UN has warned that famine is looming.

Israeli forces began blocking the boats on Wednesday, and officials confirmed a day later that more than 400 people aboard multiple vessels had been stopped from entering the territory, AFP reported.

According to the organisers, 42 ships had been “illegally intercepted” and passengers “unlawfully abducted,” leaving only one vessel, the Marinette, still moving forward with its mission to break the blockade, as shown by the flotilla’s tracker.

"The world saw what happens when civilians challenge a siege. And still -- Marinette sails on," the flotilla said on Instagram.

"She knows the fate of her sisters on the water. She knows what awaits. And she refuses to turn back."

The interceptions prompted demonstrations in several cities worldwide on Thursday. Around 15,000 people marched in Barcelona, where the flotilla had begun its voyage, chanting pro-Palestinian slogans and calling for a boycott of Israel.

In Dublin, people rallied outside the Irish parliament, where Miriam McNally, whose daughter was aboard one of the ships, admitted she was deeply worried.

Protests were also reported in Paris, Berlin, The Hague, Tunis, Brasilia, and Buenos Aires.