Attacked Aid Ship to Gaza Awaits Access Permission from Malta
Humanitarian Aid Ship Under Attack: Eyewitness Account from Ismail Songür
The Mavi Marmara, part of the Freedom Fleet Flotilla Coalition (FFC), recently faced a harrowing attack while en route to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, just off the coast of Malta. Ismail Songür, President of the Mavi Marmara Freedom and Solidarity Association, shared chilling details about the incident.
Purpose of the Mission
Songür explained that the mission aimed not only to provide critical supplies to those in Gaza but also to raise awareness and pressure the Egyptian government by connecting with sister ships and activists in European ports. “Thousands of containers of humanitarian aid are desperately needed, especially since many have lost their lives just 45 kilometers away from Gaza,” he stated.
Despite planning to take on additional teams from Malta, the Flotilla found itself in an alarming situation. Songür mentioned, “We were awaiting passengers from 23-24 countries, including reporters, renowned doctors, and humanitarian workers.”
The Night of the Attack
On the night of the attack, the crew was jolted awake around 12:15 AM, initially believing a nearby ship had suffered a mishap. However, it proved to be a far more sinister reality. “We quickly lost all internet connectivity despite our generators functioning, which hampered our ability to communicate,” Songür recounted.
The attack ensued, with fire engulfing parts of the vessel. “The fire raged for about four hours, and we were lucky to survive,” he said, adding that they were collecting evidence for potential international legal action, as the damage to the ship was considerable.
A Dangerous Encounter
Songür asserted that the crew remained determined to avoid complete evacuation of the vessel to prevent it from being seized. “They could have sunk the ship if they wanted,” he warned, describing how the fire suppression teams hesitated in their response. “The protocols were in place, but timely intervention was stalled.”
There are documented images of the incident, which have been misrepresented in various media outlets. “It was a planned removal attempt, perhaps anticipating that the ship would sink after we disembarked,” he suggested.
A Humanitarian Crisis
This attack has broader implications, according to Songür. He emphasized that the assault is not just an attack on the ship and its occupants, but on humanity itself. “The genocide is no longer simply about Palestine or the Middle East; it threatens peace for Europe and the world.”
Citing an unusual C-30 aircraft that had taken off from Tel Aviv hours before the incident, Songür proposed that various military operations converged to target the humanitarian ship. “Drones and fast boats approached us, and it’s critical to acknowledge that this is an offense against all engineering rights, especially with 11 Turkish nationals on board.”
Seeking Accountability
While authorities in Greece and Tunisia have responded, the expected response from Israel has been notably absent. “We are still waiting for a clear answer regarding the attack," Songür stated.
Currently, the Mavi Marmara remains in international waters under the jurisdiction of the Malta government, which has advised against proceeding further due to safety concerns. “We cannot remain in this limbo indefinitely,” Songür lamented, underscoring the urgency of their humanitarian mission.
The incident resonates deeply, highlighting both the ongoing conflict in the region and the simple human desire for assistance and solidarity amidst adversity.
