Manila: Global Sumud Flotilla activists vowed Wednesday to continue their humanitarian mission to Gaza despite Israeli attempts to intercept the convoy. Lisi Proenca, an activist aboard the vessel Sirius, shared in a press conference the moments that they encountered Israeli naval boats on Wednesday morning.

According to Anadolu Agency, Proenca described the encounter as a chaotic situation, though the Israeli boats did not make contact with their vessel. The activists experienced disruptions to their internet and communication networks, which they attributed to actions by Israeli forces. Proenca emphasized that the Israeli boats made a visible presence by circling their vessels and shining lights, actions she interpreted as intimidation and psychological tactics.

Proenca noted that the Israeli boats withdrew after about 15 minutes, at which point the activists on the flotilla began chanting slogans in support of Palestinian freedom. Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, has warned that any Israeli interception of the flotilla would be unlawful, asserting that the waters of Gaza are not under Israel's legitimate authority.