Maldivian on Global Sumud Flotilla ‘determined to break the siege’

When you open social media, you’re met with scenes of desperation from Gaza: blood-soaked bodies, collapsed buildings, starving children, and families dying from hunger. The images alone are heartbreaking, enough to move anyone to tears and despair.

Unable to bear the suffering, a group of international activists has launched a maritime aid mission to Gaza. Undeterred by obstacles, their goal is simple: to deliver even a small amount of relief to those in need. Among them is Maldivian national Ibrahim Shaz, who has joined the Global Sumud Flotilla.

Israel has controlled Gaza’s borders since the 1990s, severely restricting the movement of people and goods. In 2007, following Hamas’s rise to power, Gaza was effectively sealed off, turning the enclave into what many describe as an open-air prison.

In response, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition joined the Global Sumud Flotilla in August this year, launching a series of convoys aimed at breaking the blockade and delivering humanitarian aid by sea.

Despite reports of Israeli attacks on some vessels, including boarding operations and alleged abductions, the flotilla continues its journey, undeterred by intimidation. According to recent updates, the convoy comprises over 50 vessels. Shaz’s ship serves as an observer vessel, tasked with monitoring and protecting others in the fleet.

Shaz has been video-logging his voyage daily across social media, sharing firsthand accounts of the mission’s challenges and progress.

His vessel departed from the Tunisian port of Gamarth, joining others en route to Gaza. On the first night, Shaz awoke drenched, initially thinking it was seawater, only to discover a petrol leak. Despite early cleanup efforts, the crew struggled to sleep due to rough seas.

On September 20, they docked at Porto Paolo, Italy, to refuel. Each port presented new challenges, Shaz noted.

At the Italian port, the crew remained vigilant overnight. Shaz described suspicious activity near the vessel: “There were two people supposedly fishing all night, but they didn’t seem to catch anything. Then two cars stopped nearby and looked inside the boat. They left when they realized we were awake,” he said.

Some ships in the convoy faced mechanical issues and had to turn back.

After leaving Porto Paolo on Thursday, Shaz’s crew sailed toward Greece alongside four other vessels. That night, three ships were caught in a storm. The remaining vessels encountered problems the next day, forcing Shaz’s team to part ways and rejoin the main fleet.

“We got caught in a very strong storm today. We met a tornado in the morning. The sea is still very rough. Can’t even stand on board. We’re navigating in Greece now. God willing, tomorrow we can catch up with the main fleet, if they aren’t going too fast,” Shaz logged on Friday.

Reflecting on the journey, Shaz emphasized that the mission is the result of years of preparation. “Despite any threats, we are determined to break the siege,” he said.

He also highlighted logistical hurdles, including ports refusing to refuel their vessels. In Greece, authorities agreed to refuel only the ship’s main tank. Nevertheless, Shaz confirmed they were nearing the rest of the flotilla.

By Tuesday, all vessels had begun sailing together toward Gaza.

The goal of Shaz and the Global Sumud Flotilla is to stand united in support of Gaza. “The Palestinian people are in a difficult situation. Everyone hopes to alleviate it,” Shaz said.