Marmaris: Activists aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla have vowed to continue their humanitarian mission to Gaza, despite recent interventions by Israeli naval forces. "We could last another day, we could last another hour, we don't know yet, but we're going to keep going until they stop us," declared Mikey Cullen, an Irish activist, poet, and teacher from Dublin, speaking from one of the vessels.

According to Anadolu Agency, the flotilla, which set sail from Barcelona on April 12 and joined additional vessels across the Mediterranean, most recently departed from the Turkish port of Marmaris with 54 vessels. On Monday morning, Israeli naval warships intercepted 16 vessels from the convoy approximately 250 nautical miles from Gaza, as reported by the organizers.

Cullen recounted being alerted to the interception while on deck, where he saw an Israeli warship and a large vessel, identified as a prison ship, about 500 meters away. The activist mentioned that the flotilla attempted to flee south as other boats faced pressure from Israeli forces. His boat continued to evade the Israeli Defense Forces, heading towards Gaza, with a prison boat trailing a kilometer or two behind.

The interception has been described by Cullen as unlawful and a violation of international norms at sea. He criticized Israel for disrespecting international law and the sovereignty of European countries by entering European waters and detaining European citizens.

In late April, an earlier confrontation saw Israeli forces attack over 20 vessels from the Global Sumud Flotilla off Crete, detaining around 180 activists. Among them, Thiago Avila and Saif Abu Keshek were transferred to Israel for questioning before being released and deported.

Spanish activist Javi Aparente highlighted the illegal boarding and abduction of the flotilla's humanitarian mission in international waters. He accused Israeli forces of acting with impunity and disregard for international law, stating that they commit their actions in plain sight due to the impunity they have achieved.

Meagan Marie Dominguez, an American activist on the Kasr-i Sadabat vessel, reiterated that the flotilla's mission is civilian-led, carrying food, medicine, and essential supplies for people under blockade. She emphasized that the mission is protected under international humanitarian law and condemned the interception as a crime against humanity. Dominguez urged a global reflection on humanitarian responsibilities, stressing the need for collective human accountability.