The Global Samud Flotilla Coalition, a group leading international efforts to challenge the occupation of Gaza, has pledged to persist in its mission despite recent confrontations with Israeli forces.
In an exclusive interview with PSM, coalition members detailed their experiences and future plans following a high-profile incident where their ships were intercepted, and participants detained by Israeli authorities before being released under global pressure.
A four-member Steering Committee delegation, comprising Thiago Ávila (Brazil), Saif Abukeshek (Palestine), Muhammad Nadir Al-Nuri (Malaysia), and Kleoniki Alexopoulou (Greece), visited the Maldives from 6-8 January to share insights from their recent voyage. The trip, which saw over 500 activists from 44 countries, was met with a violent response as Israeli forces boarded their ships at sea, arresting participants in what the coalition described as a violation of international law.
Thiago Ávila, a participant, recounted harrowing conditions in detention centers, alleging that facilities previously used to torture Palestinians still bore signs of abuse, including accounts of sexual and physical violence.
“Israel is constantly violating international law and committing crimes,” he stated, emphasising that the coalition’s efforts stem from the failure of global powers to act against these atrocities.
Despite the dangers, the delegation affirmed their commitment to organising a larger flotilla this spring, expecting 3,000 participants from 100 countries.
Saif Abukeshek highlighted improved logistical planning, including safety measures against Israeli drone attacks and naval blockades, while calling for technical maritime support from nations like the Maldives.
The coalition remains undeterred, framing their mission as a moral imperative to expose Palestinian suffering and pressure Israel to end its siege of Gaza.