Flotilla enters 'Danger' zone, Shaz’s team diverts to Cyprus to assist if captured

An observer vessel carrying Maldivian humanitarian Ibrahim Shaz is heading toward Cyprus as the Global Sumud Flotilla, delivering aid to Israeli-occupied Gaza, nears Palestinian waters.

Sharing the latest on the voyage, Shaz, Secretary General of the International Aid Campaign (IAC), said in an Instagram post on Wednesday that all flotilla ships are about to enter the “danger zone” near Gaza.

The area, approximately 150 nautical miles off Gaza, is considered high-risk due to the likelihood of interception by Israeli military vessels.

Shaz noted that if the flotilla is attacked at sea, Israel is expected to act after sunset, leveraging its familiarity with the waters. The flotilla has been on standby since Tuesday evening, with tightened security across all ships. Shaz reported that unidentified vessels approached during the night with lights off but eventually moved away.

He added that the Legal Observer ship and the vessel he is aboard lack sufficient fuel to retreat if intercepted. As a result, the team decided to continue toward Cyprus to assist the flotilla from land if needed. The ship carries legal experts and media liaisons tasked with supporting the mission.

The journey is being broadcast live across multiple media platforms, and footage shows dusk settling over the region where the ships are currently located.

The Global Sumud Flotilla has stated that Israel is expected to block the voyage, as it has done with previous humanitarian missions.

Asian countries are represented by Sumud Nusantara in the flotilla, with IAC serving on its steering committee. IAC’s role includes financial and logistical support, and Shaz joined the mission following a request from the organization.

“The goal is to help Gaza as one people of Earth,” Shaz said. “The Palestinian people are in a difficult situation. Everyone hopes to alleviate it.”

Flotilla timeline 

• July 2025: Global Sumud Flotilla initiative launched.
• August 31: First wave of vessels departs Spain.
• September 4 - 9: Tunisian and Spanish convoys converge; suspected drone fire damages one vessel.
• September 19: Combined convoy departs Sicily toward Gaza.