Rome: Irish comedian Tadhg Hickey, aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, said on Wednesday that they were 'well drilled' for Israeli interception and expecting it imminently. 'For hours now, we've been preparing for interception. The vibe and the intelligence were that interception was imminent, so much so that the Alma boat last night appeared to be accompanied by a military vessel,' Hickey told Anadolu.

According to Anadolu Agency, Hickey noted that the people on board the Global Sumud Flotilla, attempting to deliver humanitarian aid and break the blockade of Gaza, speculated that the military vessel could have been a submarine doing reconnaissance and trying to intimidate them. Hickey expressed that, despite their confidence and preparation, they were about to confront an unpredictable situation with the Israeli military.

Hickey further stated that they were in international waters and under the jurisdiction of international maritime law. He questioned why the international community allows Israel to act with impunity, pointing out that there have been threats in Israeli media of 'mass casualties.' Hickey criticized the global response to the situation in Gaza, describing it as an ongoing genocide and man-made starvation.

Highlighting the mission of the Global Sumud Flotilla, Hickey emphasized that their actions are non-violent and represent a collective stand for humanity. He expressed conviction in the justice and morality of their cause, aiming to deliver vital humanitarian aid to Gaza. Hickey called on the international community to respond if delivering aid constitutes a crime and indicated that the flotilla's efforts are just beginning, regardless of potential Israeli actions.

He concluded by asserting that, irrespective of Israel's decisions regarding the flotilla, the global movement supporting their cause is strong, and Israel faces a significant challenge in maintaining its blockade and policies towards Gaza.