After several postponements, the international aid flotilla departs from Tunisia to Gaza to "break" the Israeli siege.

Arabian Sea Newspaper - Special

Arab Sea_AFP: After several postponements, an international aid flotilla for Gaza set sail on Monday from Tunisia, heading to the besieged and war-torn Strip due to the conflict between Israel and Hamas. The operation aims to "break the Israeli siege" imposed on it and open a humanitarian "corridor." Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg said before sailing from the port of Bizerte in northern Tunisia: "We are trying to send a message to the people of Gaza that the world has not forgotten them." She added, "Since governments are not taking their responsibilities, we have no choice but to take matters into our own hands." About twenty ships coming from Barcelona in Spain left the port of Bizerte, the last of which sailed at dawn on Monday, according to an Agence France-Presse photographer on the scene. Yasmine Akar, a member of the flotilla committee, posted on Instagram photos of Tunisian boats sailing in the last hours, accompanied by the message "The siege of Gaza must stop" and "We are setting off with solidarity, dignity, and for justice." The boats that arrived from Spain moved to Bizerte after a turbulent stop in Sidi Bou Said near the Tunisian capital. The organizers of the flotilla, which was greeted with solidarity gatherings, announced that two boats were attacked by drones for two consecutive nights last week, publishing footage of the attacks. After the announcement of the second attack, the Tunisian authorities condemned a "premeditated attack," announcing the opening of an investigation. In a statement to Agence France-Presse, French MP of Palestinian origin Rima Hassan said that she fears "of course" new attacks, adding, "We are preparing for various scenarios." The flotilla's departure was repeatedly postponed for security reasons or due to delays in preparations for some ships or due to weather conditions.