Samar Kulab, the woman whose inspiration drove the Gaza help flotilla, claims that even if the Israelis intercepted the ship, it succeeded in spreading a message of unity across the world. Kulab said he was heartbroken upon finding the boat with 12 activists including Swedish environmentalist Greta Thunberg was stopped in international waters. She noted, too, that the act had already made marks.
“I strongly anticipated this scenario, but I was truly hoping for a miracle,” Kulab said, adding, “Still, the message of humanity and justice has already reached millions.”
Kulab had been in frequent contact with the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), the group organizing the mission. She video conference with Rima Hassan, a French MEP of Palestinian background on board the ship the evening before the interception. Visiting Gaza had been Hassan’s “greatest ambition.”
“Her words really moved me,” Kulab said. “That simple dream to visit Gaza has been made impossible by Israel. But her presence on that boat meant everything to us here.”
Turkey and Iran have denounced Israel’s interception of the ship, labeling it an attack on international law and humanitarian initiatives. Though symbolic, the trip demonstrated the world’s mounting anger over the Gaza’s embargo and humanitarian catastrophe, organisers assert.
“This boat carried no weapons,” Kulab said. “Only love, justice, and hope. And that terrifies those who rely on silence and fear.
