The Egyptian branch of the Sumud flotilla said late Monday it is pressing ahead with preparations for a maritime mission to break Israel’s blockade on Gaza, even after abruptly cancelling a press conference planned for yesterday under alleged security duress.
The coordination committee gave no official reason for the cancellation, citing only “circumstances beyond our control.” But Mada Masr, quoting an unnamed source familiar with the committee’s work, reported that the decision followed threats from security agencies warning of mass arrests. The threats extended beyond flotilla members to include journalists expected to attend, the source explained to Mada Masr.
In a statement, the committee apologized for the late notice but stressed that preparations continue undeterred. It said it is finalizing legal procedures with relevant authorities and maintaining outreach with political parties, civil society groups, and public figures to broaden participation.
The committee reaffirmed its commitment to logistical and legal arrangements needed for the flotilla’s launch. Its stated aim is to shatter Israel’s blockade on Gaza, end starvation and genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, and resist forced displacement.
Khaled Basiony, general coordinator of the committee, told Al Manassa on Sunday that the Egyptian flotilla intends to sail into the Mediterranean and join the Global Sumud Flotilla by Sept. 16.
This comes after Egyptian security forces in June blocked hundreds of foreign activists from reaching the Rafah border crossing, stopping them at Ismailia and seizing their passports. The activists had been attempting to defy Israel’s blockade on Gaza.
The Global Sumud Flotilla departed Barcelona last Tuesday with more than 300 activists. Additional ships from Tunisia, Italy, and Greece are expected to join in the coming days. The mission seeks to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, break the blockade, and draw international attention to the catastrophe facing Palestinians, according to the International Committee to Break the Siege on Gaza.
Israel’s national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has presented a plan to intercept the flotilla, calling it a threat to Israel’s sovereignty and national security. Under his proposal, activists would be detained in Ketziot and Damon prisons under the same punitive conditions imposed on Palestinian detainees.
The Global Sumud Flotilla follows a history of solidarity missions. In 2010, Israeli occupation forces stormed the Mavi Marmara, killing 10 activists. More recently, Israeli drones attacked the Conscience ship near Malta in May, while Israeli forces intercepted the Madleen and Handala ships in June, detaining and deporting those on board.
