Greece: Two ships set sail from the Greek island of Syros to join the Global Sumud Flotilla, an international mission aiming to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid, AFP journalists witnessed.

According to Nam News Network, around 500 people gathered at the port of Ermopoulis, chanting “Free Palestine,” to see off the two Greece-flagged boats, the Oxygen and Ilektra. The vessels are carrying goods for famine-hit Gaza, with five and eight people on board, respectively.

“This is the way to show Israel that it shouldn’t have the right to impose starvation,” stated Kostas Fourikos, a 39-year-old crew member. “And of course to send the message of solidarity to the Palestinians, who suffer so much.”

In August, as a result of the ongoing conflict, the United Nations officially declared famine in and around Gaza City, which is home to around a million people. Israel, however, denies the existence of famine in the coastal territory.

The Global Sumud Flotilla, backed by high-profile participants including environmental activist Greta Thunberg, describes itself as an independent group not linked to any government or political party. The Arabic word “Sumud” translates to resilience.

The journey to the Gaza Strip has been complicated by at least two suspected drone attacks while docked off the coast of Tunisia, raising concerns for the safety of the Greek ships. Crew member Savvantoglou downplayed these concerns, stating, “I think we are all worried, but we’re also all very prepared for as much as we can be prepared for.”

She added, “What we are facing all these days with the bureaucracy or even with the drone attacks in Tunisia is nothing in comparison to just one minute of being alive in Gaza.”