The United Nations Special Rapporteur, Francesca Albanese, addressed the crew of the Global Sumud Flotilla in Tunis, following reports of an overnight attack on the anchored vessel ‘Family’. The boat, destined for Gaza, was moored off the port of Sidi Bou Said at the time of the alleged incident.
Albanese called for unwavering composure, stating, “It was a very tense night for all of you. I truly encourage you to maintain calm and discipline at all times, with every step, with every change in the wind. Once you enter this mission, you no longer belong only to yourselves.”
She emphasized the humanitarian nature of their mission, noting, “From the moment you step forward, you serve a human rights cause.” Albanese expressed hope that the previous night’s tensions would not hinder the mission’s progress or alter its determination, adding that the flotilla must continue in the “spirit of Sumud: peaceful, steadfast, and determined to reach Gaza and break the siege.”
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