General Secretary of IAC, Shaaz, joins ‘Global Sumud Flotilla’ in support of Gaza

The General Secretary of the International Aid Campaign (IAC), Ibrahim Shaaz (Bodey), was fully aware of the risks posed by Israel when he set sail aboard the “Global Sumud Flotilla” to deliver aid to Palestinians resisting the occupation of Gaza.

Nevertheless, driven by his deep love for Palestine, he boarded the flotilla's observation ship without hesitation and headed toward Gaza.

The flotilla comprises around 45 vessels and approximately 500 individuals, including politicians, lawyers, and Palestine activists from various countries. Shaaz represents the Maldives in this mission.

Despite limited internet access, Shaaz continues to update the Maldivian community on developments from the journey.

He first got involved while attending a training program in Tunisia, where he helped organize the event and train participants. As preparations unfolded for departures from Spain, Italy, and Tunisia, he chose to assist the Tunisian crew.

Shaaz explained that the opportunity to represent the Maldives came through IAC. After discussions among the board members, he was offered the position, and accepted without hesitation.

“I was given the chance to represent the Maldives on the observer ship. The Maldives had only one slot. After discussions, the board decided to give me the opportunity,” he said.

Although he had long desired to take part in such an initiative, Shaaz admitted he wasn’t prepared for the journey.

“It’s not something I was prepared for at all, but it’s something I’ve always wanted,” he said.

Since the 2007 occupation of Gaza, there have been 37 previous attempts to "break the siege" by sea. Participating in such a mission had been a long-standing goal for Shaaz.

“When I first got the opportunity, I thought I’d go work on the ground. But when I was invited to join the flotilla, I didn’t hesitate, I immediately said yes.”

He shared that he informed his wife the same night he received the offer, and it didn’t take much to gain her support.

“I called my wife and told her I had decided to join the flotilla. She is the greatest blessing in my life. I didn’t have to say much to convince her. Still, it’s a heavy feeling to leave behind not just her, but also our two children and the rest of the family.”

In videos released during the journey, Shaaz stated that every port they stopped at posed potential danger. He emphasized that no country is free from Zionist influence and that each stop brings unique challenges.

Several ships, he noted, had to turn back due to various problems or stop at ports for repairs.

At times, the crew has had to stay on high alert late into the night to guard against possible sabotage or espionage.

“Every port tries to interfere with the mission, to delay or derail the effort,” he said.

Among the obstacles faced, Shaaz highlighted the difficulty encountered in Greece, which he described as being close to Zionist interests. During a stop there, authorities refused to refuel the ships, except for a single tank.

Israel has intercepted some of the flotilla’s vessels and forcibly taken their occupants to Israeli territory.

In a video shared last night, Shaaz reported that their vessel had reached a zone of heightened risk. After nightfall, Israeli boats approached and monitored their movements closely.

In anticipation of such encounters, all ships were placed on emergency protocol with safety measures in place.

“They will enter the danger zone very soon. Interceptions usually happen after sunset, when darkness gives them an advantage. All vessels are now under emergency procedures,” he said.

“If we are not intercepted tonight,” he added in the video, “we will be very close to the Gaza coast.”

Initially, the plan was for the observation ship to remain 150 nautical miles from Gaza. However, after consultations, the decision was made to proceed into the danger zone along with the main flotilla.

Shaaz expressed a readiness to take on additional responsibilities if opportunities arise, stressing the importance of the overall mission.

“It’s vital to succeed. We must all work together to bring an end to the occupation.”

He said reaching the Gaza coast remains their greatest hope and urged the Maldivian government to speak out more strongly, especially on social media, against Israel’s inhumane actions.

At present, Israel has seized almost all of the ships in the Gaza flotilla. Some vessels have withdrawn from the area and are supporting the mission from a distance. However, detailed information about the remaining vessels and their crews is currently unavailable.

The most recent video of Shaaz, who is part of the largest and most high-profile sea mission against the occupation of Gaza, was posted 19 hours ago.