‘We’re preparing for interception’ – Chris Andrews on flotilla destined for Gaza

Dublin Senator Chris Andrews has said those on board the Global Sumud Flotilla are “preparing for interception” as they approach Gaza.

The 52-boat flotilla is part of an independent international effort seeking to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza and take humanitarian aid across the Mediterranean. The Global Sumud Flotilla departed Tunis on September 15 and is currently around 36 hours from Gaza by boat. The flotilla was attacked by multiple Israeli drones last week but thankfully there were no injuries.

Sinn Féin Senator Chris Andrews is one of 22 Irish citizens on the voyage. Speaking to Dublin Live this morning, he said they expect an Israeli interception imminently.

“The update really is that we’re preparing for interception,” he said. “There’s an expectation that interception by the Israelis will happen late this evening or tomorrow as we are not very far from Gaza.

“We’re probably another day and a half from Gaza by boat. But there is no expectation that we actually will be able to get to Gaza at this point given all the political developments.

“We hope that we’ll get through and create the humanitarian corridor that is badly needed for those starving children in Gaza. We also have to prepare that we might not get through and that’s what we’re doing.

“We’ve done the drills. When they approach we have our life jackets ready. I suppose it’s hard to anticipate what will happen and when if they do intercept us.”

Senator Andrews added that it is important to keep eyes on the “starving children in Gaza”. He said: “This is a completely peaceful, non-violent mission trying to bring aid to people in Gaza.

“We’re trying to break the blockade of Gaza by Israel. It’s a humanitarian mission. It’s about trying to stay human. It’s human’s supporting humans and that’s what this is about.

“We’re ready for interception if we don’t get through. The next 24 hours is going to be pretty informative.”

A cross-party motion condemning the attacks by Israel on civilians and human rights activists on the Global Sumud Flotilla has been tabled in the Dáil today.

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