SA citizen on boat carrying aid to Gaza says journey has been ‘tough’

A South African citizen on the Global Sumud Flotilla, sailing across the Mediterranean Sea to carry aid to Gaza, said it's been a tough month at sea so far.

Social impact and humanitarian leader Doctor Zaheera Soomar said she's determined to help deliver aid to Palestinians in Gaza.

The flotilla, which consists of about 50 boats with activists from around the world on board, is still about 150 nautical miles off the coast of Gaza.

Speaking from onboard one of the boats in the Global Sumud Flotilla, Soomar said it's been fifteen days since she set sail from Tunisia.

"My experience has been intense. It's been difficult. Rough. It's been good from a solidarity perspective, but it's been anything but easy."

Soomar said even though she underwent intense training for the journey, nothing prepared her for the experience.

"I've had to sail a sailboat. I've learned to help fix engines. I've learned to anchor in the middle of the night. I've been doing drone watch for the past week, every single night, learning to spot different drones."

Soomar said the flotilla is expected to reach Gaza in the next two to three days.