The mood of the people onboard the Gaza flotilla is "defiant", one Irish woman has said.
Dozens of Irish citizens are on board the flotilla of 39 boats, all of whom are intent on delivering food and medicine amid reports of widespread famine in the wartorn territory.
Several of the boats have already been intercepted by the Israeli Defence Forces, who said those on board have been taken to an Israeli port ahead of deportation.
In an interview with Newstalk Breakfast, writer Naoise Dolan said her own boat was currently off the coast of Crete and that the atmosphere on board was one of “high tension”.
“The worst that’s happened to us is a very loud drone that didn’t do anything,” she said.
“So, we’re conscious that there could be worse ahead but I’m mainly thinking of our friends who are in quite a perilous situation.”
Global Sumud Flotilla boats leave the port of Syracuse, Sicily, Italy, departing for Gaza. Picture by: Alamy.com.Ms Dolan added that she had heard that water cannons were used on some boats and that communications were generally cut.
She added that she sincerely hoped the other boats in the flotilla could avoid being intercepted by the IDF.
“Our intention is very real [and] to get this aid to Gaza,” she said.
“We’re carrying mostly medicine and baby formula on our boat.
“It’s not merely symbolic, it’s an attempt to concretely alleviate some of the situation there.
“But, of course, we’re rational people; we know that other possibilities are there.”
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Those on board have been practising drills for various scenarios that might occur if the IDF intercepts their boat.
In the meantime, Ms Dolan said all are doing as much media as they can to raise awareness of the Palestinian cause.
“We’re generally staying vigilant and staying focused,” he said.
“I’m very conscious too that every time Israel does something to the flotilla, they’re doing worse in Gaza immediately afterwards.
“So, we need to keep our eyes on that too and put pressure on our Governments.
“Not only the Irish citizens on board but over the people in Palestine who are being brutally murdered.”
In August, a UN-back report concluded Gaza has been subjected to a “man-made famine” because of the conflict.
The Israeli Government has said Hamas is to blame for starvation in the territory.
Main image: Naoise Dolan. Image: Instagram.
