New Zealanders Board Humanitarian Flotilla to Gaza Amid Risks

Two New Zealanders, actor-turned-activist Will Alexander and Ava Mulla, are aboard a humanitarian flotilla bound for the Gaza Strip, setting sail from Italy. The vessel, named Conscience, departed on Tuesday, carrying over 90 individuals, including medical personnel and journalists, to provide aid to the Palestinian people. This flotilla is part of a larger initiative consisting of 48 vessels aimed at delivering humanitarian support amidst ongoing conflict.

Concerns and Preparations at Sea

As they navigate the Mediterranean, both Alexander and Mulla express a profound sense of apprehension. New Zealand has a long-standing “do not travel” advisory in place for Gaza due to the ongoing violence and instability in the region. Despite this warning, the pair has chosen to proceed, highlighting what they perceive as a weak response from the New Zealand government regarding the humanitarian crisis.

On board, they are aware of the potential risks. Previous flotillas, such as the infamous Mavi Marmara in 2010, faced violent confrontations with Israeli forces, resulting in fatalities. Alexander stated, “There is fear, but it pales in comparison to what the Palestinian people are going through.” He expressed hope for their mission to “break the illegal siege” on Gaza, even while acknowledging the likelihood of being intercepted.

In a recent communication from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), officials confirmed that they had repeatedly communicated with Israel, expecting any New Zealanders to be treated in accordance with international law. On Sunday, MFAT also stated that a consular partner had met with New Zealanders previously detained by Israeli authorities.

Reflections on the Mission

Amid the uncertainty, the atmosphere on the Conscience is one of resilience and solidarity. Mulla mentioned that they have formed a meditation group to maintain focus and positivity. “We’re trying to stay in the moment and take things as they come,” she explained. This sentiment is echoed by Alexander, who emphasized the mission’s significance, stating, “Even if we are injured or killed in this mission, we will have been doing everything that we can for the Palestinian people and for human rights.”

They argue that the advisory against traveling to Gaza is inadequate in the face of what they describe as genocide. Alexander critiqued Prime Minister Christopher Luxon for advising against the trip, stating, “The response to a genocide is to end the genocide. Luxon telling us not to go there is weak – it’s cowardly.” Luxon, in response, reiterated that New Zealanders could be “proud” of the government’s stance not to recognize Palestinian statehood, aligning it with the country’s independent foreign policy.

Their journey continues amidst a backdrop of international tension and humanitarian need, as they strive to reach Gaza and support its inhabitants. While they remain hopeful, the risks of interception and potential mistreatment loom large over their mission.