Ankara: Aboard one of the largest civilian aid flotillas attempting to reach Gaza, Jewish American participant David Adler stated that the global movement pushing to dismantle the Israeli blockade will persist until Palestinians achieve freedom. "The peoples of the world will continue to mobilize, they will continue to set sail, they will continue to act in the name of humanity and its conscience until this illegal siege is broken, crumbles, and until the people of Palestine are free," Adler declared. As of Monday afternoon, the flotilla was 300 nautical miles from Gaza's shores and was anticipated to reach the region in the next two to three days.

According to Anadolu Agency, Adler mentioned that a new fleet, Thousand Madleens to Gaza, is prepared to set sail should their current mission not succeed. "So the state of Israel may seek to detain, deport, intercept, or incarcerate us. But we are not alone," Adler emphasized, highlighting the broad support for their cause.

Adler, a political economist, explained that hundreds of activists from over 40 countries have united with a shared moral conviction to act where governments have not. The Global Sumud Flotilla, comprising the largest fleet ever assembled for such a mission, approached the island of Cyprus, showcasing a grassroots initiative driven by ordinary people from around the world.

Participants are not professional activists but include individuals from various professions. "These are ordinary people, mothers and fathers, teachers and nurses, who have traveled from all across the world, often times spending the last money in their bank accounts to be part of this beautiful, global mission in defense of humanity," Adler shared.

Adler, associated with the Progressive International, described the flotilla as a humble humanitarian endeavor, utilizing second-hand vessels filled with essential supplies for Gazans. As the flotilla nears the 'red zone' where previous missions have been intercepted by Israel, Adler affirmed their preparation for various scenarios, including potential drone attacks and arrests. "Above all, we are preparing for a scenario where we succeed, where we establish a humanitarian corridor," Adler said.

Highlighting the challenges faced, Adler called on states to join their mission to establish a sustainable humanitarian corridor to Gaza. He noted the complexity of the Global Sumud Flotilla, with diverse logistical challenges and political obstacles, including reports of Italy's attempts to redirect the flotilla.

In a message to Palestinians, Adler expressed gratitude for their resilience and condemned the complicity of governments in humanitarian crimes against them. "As we know that if Gaza dies, all of humanity dies with it," Adler stated, underscoring the broader implications of their mission.

Being one of the few American participants, Adler felt a unique responsibility to challenge Israel's actions. "As a Jew, it's equally important for me to be part of this mission," he explained, condemning Israel's use of Jewish heritage and symbols in their actions against Palestinians.