The Egyptian branch of the Sumud flotilla said the owner of the boat Ibiza has pulled out of its planned Gaza mission after receiving “threats and security pressure,” according to logistics official Ahmed Maher.
The flotilla had announced Friday that Ibiza would be the first vessel to depart from Suez, part of Egypt’s convoy to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza. But by Monday, organizers said they had lost all contact with the boat’s owner.
Maher told Al Manassa the owner had initially offered the boat as a donation, on the condition that the flotilla cover paperwork and equipment costs.
“The day after the announcement, he withdrew from the agreement, and all attempts to reach him failed. We later learned his decision came under pressure and threats,” Maher said. He added that the owner has since resumed contact and agreed to meet with the committee in Suez.
Volunteers have gathered nearly two tons of food, medicine, and medical supplies for Egypt's Sumud, flotilla spokesperson Hossam Mahmoud told Al Manassa. If logistical or security approvals prevent the flotilla from sailing, the aid will likely be handed over to the Egyptian Red Crescent for delivery through the Rafah crossing, he added.
Meanwhile, around 10 boat owners and dozens of sailors have expressed interest in joining the mission, but most are waiting for official approval, explained Mahmoud.
“We are organizing a convoy to reflect the will of the Egyptian people, but if there is any risk to national security, we respect the state’s decision,” he said.
On Sept. 6, the Egyptian committee announced preparations were underway to outfit boats with in-kind and logistical donations, inviting ship captains, crews, and volunteers to join. At launch time, 55 Egyptian activists signed a statement calling participation a ‘national and moral duty’ to stand with Palestinians.
Earlier this month, the Global Sumud Flotilla departed Barcelona with over 300 activists, stopping in Tunisia where additional boats joined. The original fleet met up with boats hailing from Italian and Greek ports in international waters, sailing now to create a humanitarian corridor to break the Israeli siege on Gaza.
Fears remain that Israel may attack the flotilla. While docked in Tunisia, two Global Sumud Flotilla boats have already been struck with incendiary drones. No perpetrator has claimed responsibility, but activists on board have pointed to Israeli officials' public threats to the flotilla.
On Sunday, passengers on board, including steering committee member Yasemine Acar, report that “drones are now regularly flying over the flotilla” as the flotilla journeys through the last leg of the trip.
