Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur oPt
I just spoke again with the Flotilla, incl its Comm Room in Catania All looks calm and safe now. Speedboats watching; but the flotilla continues its sailing. It will be a long night. And as they say and we say, "we are together".
Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur oPt
BREAKING!!! - 11:18PM UK time; I am with the flotilla online. They have just been reached by the Israel speedboats - 5 vessels circling the flotilla. The captain is instructing the team to stay calm and seated, with their passports and life jackets on. I hear them speaking with Israeli soldiers as I type... telling they are carrying humanitarian aid and go in peace. For the time being they are just circled. I am with them, recording everything.