Their mitigation of the risk of Israel just blowing the crap out of their boats is "international attention". Good luck with that.
posted by Mitheral at 9:31 AM on August 30

The IDF would never deliberately target a civilian flotilla on a civilian relief mission. That would be a clear breach of international humanitarian law, and the Israeli Government has always been at pains to point out that Israel doesn't commit those.
posted by flabdablet at 9:37 AM on August 30 [3 favorites]

I'm not sure international attention will make any difference. Good luck to them. The crew of USS Liberty wishes them well.
On the other hand, while politicians might not care, their voters just might.
posted by phigmov at 12:36 PM on August 30 [2 favorites]

They are extremely brave, stepping up and showing real courage in sharp contrast to the vast majority of states, which are the ones with the actual legal obligation to prevent genocide and end Israel's illegal occupation of Palestinian territory. We can help protect them by drawing attention to the flotilla in any way we can and demanding that states who have nationals involved act to ensure their safety.
posted by mydonkeybenjamin at 4:41 AM on August 31 [6 favorites]

Liam Cunningham On Hollywood Zionism, Ireland & Breaking The Siege of Gaza
posted by flabdablet at 11:11 AM on September 1 [3 favorites]

Novara Media's Kieran Andrieu is Sailing to Gaza, Here¡¯s Why | Novara Reports

Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla prepares to set off from Spain (Al Jazeera English)
posted by flabdablet at 12:53 AM on September 2 [3 favorites]

Gaza aid flotilla turns back to Barcelona amid stormy seas (TRT World Now)
posted by flabdablet at 2:25 AM on September 2

Meanwhile, Sky News here in Australia is applying its usual level of journalistic integrity to make this all about how many ways they can find to shit on Greta Thunberg. I briefly considered linking to some of their desperate little hit pieces to lighten the mood with a bit of shared eye-rolling but yeah, nah. Spend less time with da kids.
posted by flabdablet at 3:38 AM on September 2 [3 favorites]

Thanks for posting this here. I have a friend on one of these boats. I'm worried for his safety and also deeply respectful of the courage it takes to do something like this.

Here's another short report of yesterday's departure (Al Jazeera)
posted by hovey at 7:30 AM on September 2 [3 favorites]

Gaza Flotilla Organiser Speaks as Boats Leave Barcelona Port
posted by flabdablet at 4:54 AM on September 4 [2 favorites]

Flotilla Day Five: The Plan to Make it to Gaza
posted by flabdablet at 2:18 AM on September 6 [3 favorites]

Flotilla Day Seven: Tunis Comes Out For Gaza:

The Gaza aid flotilla arrived in Tunis, North Africa today, a week after it left Barcelona.

Novara Media¡¯s Kieran Andrieu said the reception was extraordinary when he disembarked - along with Greta Thunberg and others on board - for a brief pit stop.

Thousands of people crowded the port and the beach to welcome the boats and show their support for Palestine, with some swimming out to sea with Palestine flags and others lighting fireworks.

The flotilla is expected to grow in size with at least 10 more boats joining from Tunis, having organised under the Maghreb Flotilla banner.

Nelson Mandela¡¯s grandson, Mandla Mandela, is joining here, along with French actor Adele Haenel and Irish author Naoise Dolan.

Our Freedom Is Incomplete Without The Freedom of the Palestinians:

"The Palestinians were there during our struggle for liberation. They supported us not in words, but placed resources to effectively defeat the apartheid regime."

Speaking to Novara Media's Charlotte England in Tunis, Mandla Mandela, the grandson of Nelson Mandela, explained why he is joining the Global Sumud Flotilla's humanitarian mission to break Israel's blockade of Gaza.

posted by flabdablet at 6:21 PM on September 7 [2 favorites]

One of the boats has been hit by a drone strike, according to organizers. The passengers and crew are unhurt.
posted by hovey at 5:45 PM on September 8 [2 favorites]

Greta Thunberg: "Keep Your Eyes on Gaza":

"Where is global media when it comes to reporting about the hell they're going through in this genocide?"

Greta Thunberg called out the complicity of media, governments and institutions at a rally as the Global Sumud Flotilla arrived at the port of Tunis. The flotilla will be joined by more boats in Tunis and hopes to reach the shores of Gaza with a 50 strong fleet.

Flotilla Day Eight: "The Roman Empire Fell - And So Will Israel":

While in Tunis to prepare for the next stage of the Global Sumud Flotilla, Novara Media¡¯s Kieran Andrieu visited the ancient ruins of Carthage.

Drawing parallels with Gaza, he said Israel¡¯s attempt to impose its own ¡°Carthaginian peace¡± on Palestinians will ultimately fail, because oppressive empires and colonies always fall, while peoples survive.

"If We Don't Reach Gaza In This Mission, the Next Will":

In Tunis, award-winning French actress Ad¨¨le Haenel explained why she is joining the Global Sumud Flotilla to break Israel's blockade of Gaza.

Flotilla Update: Drone Strikes Lead Boat:

The Global Sumud Flotilla has now confirmed that one of their main boats was struck by a drone in Tunisian waters. All the passengers and crew are safe. Kieran Andrieu reports from the Port of Tunis.

Francesca Albanese Responds to Drone Attack on Gaza Aid Flotilla:

Exclusive: Novara Media is with UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese at the port in Tunis, where a drone is suspected to have attacked one of the Gaza flotilla boats.

According to eyewitnesses there were 6 people aboard the boat at the time, a flaming object fell from the sky and hit the bow of the boat - close to a diesel tank. Only life jackets were damaged.

posted by flabdablet at 4:16 AM on September 9 [3 favorites]

Second Gaza Flotilla Ship Struck by Drone:

A second attack has hit the Global Sumud Flotilla in Tunisian waters in just 2 days.

Crew aboard the boat Alma recovered a charred electronic device after a drone dropped an incendiary weapon that set its deck alight, according to video evidence and expert sources.

No one was injured and all passengers remain safe. Organisers say the mission to break the siege on Gaza will continue.

Gaza Flotilla Attacked With Incendiary Device (longform)
posted by flabdablet at 6:18 AM on September 10 [2 favorites]

Why Tunisia Blamed Gaza Flotilla Drone Attack on 'Cigarettes':

"Quite clearly this was not started by cigarettes.¡±

On Novara Live, Aaron Bastani and witness Miguel Duarte broke down what really happened to the Global Sumud Flotilla, following repeated drone attacks on Monday and Tuesday nights.

Tunisian authorities, echoed by the BBC, blamed ¡°cigarettes.¡± However, CCTV footage shows flaming projectiles striking ships on both nights. All crew members escaped uninjured.

Three other people on board corroborated Duarte¡¯s account to Novara Media.

posted by flabdablet at 6:23 AM on September 10 [3 favorites]

Flotilla Day Ten: We're Back on Our Boat After Drone Strikes

Kieran Andrieu has returned to his boat, Family, the vessel struck by the first of two drone attacks in Tunisian waters two nights ago.

He said both Family and Alma, which was also hit by a drone, now have crew and participants back on board, describing Israel¡¯s attempt to scare the flotilla as a ¡°completely failed¡± strategy.

Inspecting the ship, Andrieu reported only ¡°superficial¡± damage, with charred surfaces and melted blinds. He credits the crew with putting out what he believes was a ¡°ferocious¡± fire before it spread.

The flotilla may now head to Bizerte, a short distance along the Tunisian coast, before gathering more boats in Sicily and Greece, determined to continue on course to Gaza.

posted by flabdablet at 9:57 PM on September 10 [2 favorites]

A longer Novara piece on the second drone attack: Gaza Flotilla Attacked Again

Democracy Now!: Global Sumud Flotilla Vows to Keep Sailing to Gaza; Israeli Drones Accused of Striking Two Boats

Bellingcat: Incendiary Munitions Strike Gaza-bound Flotilla Two Nights in a Row

Tunisian official sources have now apparently given up on the cigarette butt theory; The Sun and its mouth-breathing comment army, not so much. No, I won't be helping you inflict that upon yourself by providing a link.
posted by flabdablet at 10:23 AM on September 11 [2 favorites]

Flotilla Activist: People Are Finding Their Moral Compass

78-year-old Kathy Sheetz-Greaves is about to attempt to sail to Gaza for the sixth time, making her one of the oldest and most experienced activists on board the Global Sumud Flotilla.

In 2008, she says it was ¡°probably the best day of my life¡± when she reached Gaza by boat, breaking the blockade and briefly opening up a sea corridor. But in 2010 she was on a mission that saw IDF soldiers murder 10 humanitarians on board the Mavi Marmara, and on other attempts she was beaten up and detained by Israeli authorities.

She says she doesn¡¯t know what will happen this time - the huge number of boats taking part make it unprecedented - but her previous experiences have only made her more convinced that she¡¯s doing the right thing and must go again.

posted by flabdablet at 7:04 AM on September 12 [2 favorites]

Flotilla Day 12: Why We're Still in Tunisia

The Gaza aid flotilla is currently docked in Bizerte, Tunisia, after delays caused by storm damage and complex logistics.

The fleet was originally due to leave on 4 September, but crews are still carrying out repairs and coordinating between boats.

But despite setbacks, the crews expect to depart soon, with boats from Greece and Italy preparing to join them before sailing directly to Gaza. Kieran Andrieu reports.

posted by flabdablet at 8:54 PM on September 12 [2 favorites]

Flotilla Day 15: Onwards to Gaza - with Rima Hassan

The Sumud Flotilla has left Bizerte and is now heading to sea, where it will collect between 6 and 10 Maghreb Sumud boats before continuing towards Gaza.

On board is Rima Hassan, a Palestinian-French MEP, who joined the Family boat. ¡°We¡¯re focused and preparing ourselves to break the blockade in the Gaza corridor and bring humanitarian aid,¡± she told Novara Media's Kieran Andrieu.

Hassan said joining the mission was both political and personal: ¡°I¡¯m a Palestinian refugee who never came back to my country. Being on this boat with other Palestinians from the diaspora is very unique and very beautiful.¡±

posted by flabdablet at 7:11 AM on September 16 [2 favorites]

Israel Has Bulldozed International Law

An observer boat of international lawyers will travel with the Gaza aid flotilla in a bid to uphold an ¡®already bulldozed, undermined and decimated international order¡¯ and stop Israel from writing a false narrative.

As the Global Sumud Flotilla sets sail again, peace activist Caoimhe Butterly told Novara Media how people on board are coming together to do what governments have failed to do.

"We can be those lighthouses to each other, in what can feel like a very stormy, tempestuous and bleak time for our collective humanity," she said.

posted by flabdablet at 7:13 AM on September 16 [2 favorites]

This Flotilla Exists Because of the Failure of Governments

A United Nations report accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza today - yet UK prime minister Keir Starmer still claims it isn¡¯t.

Responding to the new UN inquiry from on board the Global Sumud Flotilla, Kieran Andrieu says he is sailing because the world¡¯s governments have completely failed to hold Israel to account. The UK, in particular, he says, has surrendered its sovereignty to Benjamin Netanyahu¡¯s genocidal regime.

posted by flabdablet at 7:30 PM on September 16 [1 favorite]

Israel, the Serial Killer, is Still Getting the Benefit of the Doubt

¡°The serial killer in this instance is still getting the benefit of the doubt ¡­ I could be killed, and my national broadcaster won¡¯t tell my family who they believe the perpetrators were.¡±

Two weeks into the Gaza aid flotilla¡¯s journey, Kieran Andrieu caught up with Tadhg Hickey in Tunisia to reflect on the international media¡¯s extraordinary response to drone strikes that hit both their boats last week.

Flotilla Day 18: Storm Delays Flotilla in Sicily

Kieran Andrieu reports from the Global Sumud Flotilla off the southeastern tip of Sicily.

After a storm struck overnight, the flotilla¡¯s steering committee decided that only vessels able to withstand the weather would continue. Smaller sailing boats have paused, while larger ships, including the Family Boat and vessels from the Barcelona fleet, are pressing on.

posted by flabdablet at 1:24 AM on September 20 [2 favorites]

Gaza Aid Flotilla - Israel is Laying the Groundwork for Violence

¡°Israeli propaganda is predictive of Israeli conduct. If they want to ridicule a flotilla they¡¯ll call it a selfie yacht, but if, on the other hand, they want to lay the foundations for violence, they¡¯ll say it¡¯s terror-linked.¡±

Hundreds of ordinary people, including doctors, lawyers, politicians and journalists, are attempting to break Israel¡¯s genocidal blockade of Gaza. By attempting to smear people on board the Global Sumud Flotilla as terrorists, Israel could be laying the groundwork for an attack or violent interception.

Novara Media¡¯s Kieran Andrieu asked David Adler, co-founder of Progressive International, to help him unpack this.

¡°We¡¯re worried,¡± Adler told him. ¡°We¡¯re scared.¡±

While Israel has always attempted to delegitimise, criminalise and punish Palestine solidarity movements, Adler said, in the case of the flotilla this could translate into real violence against humanitarians. We must not let Israeli propaganda win.

Day 22: Five Days Away From The Danger Zone

The Gaza aid flotilla is around 5 days away from crossing what organisers have called the ¡®orange line¡¯, into the danger zone where Israel has previously intercepted boats and illegally detained activists.

Organisers say it will take a further two days from there to reach Gaza¡¯s shores, where participants are hoping to distribute the aid carried on board.

Meanwhile, Israel is intensifying its smear campaign against what it has called the ¡®Hamas Flotilla¡¯, causing participants to become increasingly worried that it may be planning to enact violence against them.

Kieran Andrieu will continue to report from the Global Sumud Flotilla as it approaches Gaza.

Yanis Varoufakis On Israel¡¯s Threats, And Why The UK Still Needs Corbyn: longform (33m), leads with flotilla news
posted by flabdablet at 8:27 AM on September 23 [2 favorites]

¡®It¡¯s Psychological Warfare¡¯: Gaza Flotilla Attacked

Five Global Sumud Flotilla boats have just been targeted with chemicals dropped by drones and explosions overhead, in what organisers say is an attempt to intimidate them that will not work.

On deck and in life jackets, still on high alert, Kieran Andrieu asked organiser Thiago Avila to explain what he thinks is happening.

Day 24: The Flotilla Was Hit by a Dozen Explosions Last Night

Explosions shook the Global Sumud Flotilla last night as Israeli drones dropped weapons on boats sailing in international waters south of Crete.

At least four vessels were damaged, including two with structural damage to their masts. Witnesses reported flashes in the sky followed by loud booms across the fleet for hours.

Reporting from the flotilla, Kieran Andrieu said the boats carry baby formula, medicines and food, and warned: ¡°If Israel is willing to do this just outside Greece, it is willing to do a lot worse as we near Gaza.¡±

The flotilla continues east towards Gaza under heightened threat. It expects to reach ¡®the danger zone¡¯, where past boats have been intercepted, over the weekend.

UN-Partner NGO Ship 'Emergency' Confirms Drone Attacks on Gaza Flotilla

Italian United Nations-partner organisation Emergency has confirmed that staff on board its search and rescue ship witnessed attacks on the Global Sumud Flotilla last night, involving drones, sound bombs and pepper spray.

¡°We strongly condemn any acts of violence or attacks on the flotilla,¡± Anabel Montes Mier, head of the boat¡¯s mission, said in a statement.

The charity emphasised the importance of protecting the largest-ever civilian maritime humanitarian attempt to deliver aid to Gaza.

Life Support has been accompanying the flotilla since it left Sicily last week, acting as an observer and providing medical and logistical support.

A nurse on board, Luca Radaelli, said the boat had restocked food and water and was helping the flotilla as usual today.

¡°Despite what happened last night, we are continuing to do our job. We are currently distributing water, food, and basic necessities to the flotilla's vessels, and one of our RHIBs [small boats] is in the water responding to a medical request unrelated to last night's attack. Furthermore, we are available to intervene with our second RHIB to provide technical or medical support to any boats in need, as we have done in recent days."

Emergency has run two health projects in Gaza since 2024. "In Gaza, the population is experiencing a dramatic situation that violates international law and continues to worsen day by day,¡± Montes Mier said. ¡°Our staff working in the clinics in Al-Qarara and Al-Mawasi in the Strip bear witness to this daily. This is why Emergency had to participate in this mission - perhaps the largest humanitarian maritime mission ever promoted by civil society in the face of political inertia and inadequacy."

The Italian government announced today that it will also send a ship, from its navy, to assist the flotilla.

The British Government Has Said NOTHING About Flotilla Attacks

With 13 British citizens under attack by Israeli drones on the Gaza Flotilla last night, it's unconscionable that there has been nothing from the British government.

Independent journalist Barry Malone on #NovaraLive

posted by flabdablet at 12:12 PM on September 24 [2 favorites]

Gaza aid flotilla hit by drone attacks and explosions, activists say (Al Jazeera English)
posted by flabdablet at 12:25 PM on September 24 [1 favorite]

The Spanish government has announced that they will also dispatch a navy vessel to escort and safeguard the flotilla, joining the Italians.
posted by hovey at 7:48 PM on September 24 [3 favorites]

Italy Sends Navy Ship To Help Gaza Aid Flotilla | #novaralive (longform)
posted by flabdablet at 12:49 AM on September 25 [3 favorites]

Israel Attacks Humanitarian Aid Flotillas Headed To Gaza (The Young Turks, 17m)
posted by flabdablet at 12:54 AM on September 25 [3 favorites]

Israel FURIOUS As Italy, Spain Deploy Navy to Protect Aid Flotilla (Breaking Points, 15m)
posted by flabdablet at 12:47 AM on September 26 [3 favorites]

Italy, Spain Deploy Naval Ships After Drones Repeatedly Attack Gaza-Bound Flotilla (Democracy Now!, 9m31s)

Spain and Italy are sending naval vessels to protect the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla after activists said drones repeatedly attacked their boats near Greece on Wednesday. Activists said the most recent strikes marked the seventh attack on the solidarity movement's vessels. The Global Sumud Flotilla is the largest humanitarian convoy in history to traverse the Mediterranean Sea, says David Adler, co-general coordinator of the Progressive International, who joins Democracy Now! from the flotilla. "We are not here to drop the aid and go home and pat ourselves on the back. We are here to establish a humanitarian corridor for states themselves to assume their responsibilities and to deliver the aid at the scale that Gaza requires."

Italy, Spain deploy naval vessels to protect flotilla on course for Gaza ? FRANCE 24 English (8m18s)

Spain and Italy say they are sending navy ships to where a flotilla of boats carrying activists seeking to break Israel¡¯s blockade of Gaza is sailing, after the activists said they were attacked by drones near Greece.FRANCE 24's Sharon Gaffney speaks to one of the activists on board, Sarah Clancy from Galway in Ireland.

WATCH: Global Sumud Flotilla Holds Emergency News Conference (DRM News, 40m35s)
posted by flabdablet at 1:20 AM on September 26 [3 favorites]

Engine Failure Won¡¯t Stop Gaza Aid Flotilla

The ship leading the Gaza aid flotilla has been decommissioned with engine failure, after it broke down off the coast of Crete last night.

After weeks of drone activity, sleep deprivation and constant danger on board, Kieran Andrieu reports that the loss of his boat, Family, feels ¡°pretty cruel and stressful.¡±

But the mission is not over, and the flotilla remains determined to set sail for Gaza and break the blockade.

posted by flabdablet at 10:23 AM on September 26 [2 favorites]

Day 28: Two Days to the Danger Zone. Four Days to Gaza

The Global Sumud Flotilla is sailing in international waters again at last, on the final stretch of its journey. In two days time, it will enter the area where Israel has illegally intercepted boats in the past, and in four days, it could reach Gaza.

After his lead boat, Family, suffered catastrophic engine failure, Kieran Andrieu has moved vessel and is now reporting from Spanish-flagged sailing yacht Adara.

The past few days have been the toughest of the mission, he says, and he feels heartbroken for his friends who had to leave at this late stage. But he¡¯s more focused now than ever on finishing the journey and attempting to establish a humanitarian aid corridor to Gaza.

posted by flabdablet at 11:59 AM on September 28 [2 favorites]