Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za
3-minute read | 30 September 2025 | 11:52 CAT

📸 Australian Abubakir Rafiq joins the Global Sumud Flotilla, sailing to break Israel’s siege on Gaza despite drone attacks and threats.

The Sumud Freedom Flotilla, a grassroots humanitarian mission sailing towards Gaza, continues its perilous journey despite drone attacks and mounting threats from Israel. Among the participants is Abubakir Rafiq, an Australian citizen who says he refuses to allow his government’s complicity in what he calls “a brutal genocide” to define his silence.

“I’ve grown up my whole life supporting the Palestinian cause,” Rafiq told Radio Islam International. “For over 70 years, Palestine has been occupied in a brutal apartheid. And now for almost two years, a genocide has taken place. I will not allow them to act on my name. I wanted to do more for the Palestinian cause, and when this opportunity was granted, it was a no-brainer for me.”

The flotilla set sail from Barcelona on 31 August after days of training in non-violence. From there, vessels made their way to Tunis. It was here that the journey nearly came to an abrupt end. “The family vessel, which was one of the main vessels, was attacked in Tunisian waters. A drone dropped a device giving off flames. Six people were on board but thankfully no one was injured,” Rafiq recalled. “Since when was it acceptable to attack a non-violent humanitarian mission? This is a crime and it should be condemned.”

Despite repairs and delays, the flotilla pushed on. Its crews remain acutely aware of the risks, with Israel repeatedly warning that it would not allow ships to break the 18-year blockade of Gaza. Previous flotillas have been intercepted, their passengers detained, and in some cases, lives lost.

The Sumud Flotilla carries food staples, baby formula, and medication – aid that participants say is systematically barred from entering Gaza. “One flotilla is not going to feed two million people,” Rafiq admitted. “But our goal is breaking the siege on Gaza and opening a humanitarian corridor. Without this, people are dying from malnutrition and being shot at while waiting for aid.”

Asked whether the mission is a success even if intercepted, Rafiq was resolute: “If we do not arrive to Gaza, I still believe our mission is successful because we’ve brought attention to genocide and put governments into a position where they’re forced to act.”

For Rafiq, faith is central. “My greatest fear is standing before Allah on the Day of Judgement having done nothing. Anyone with an ounce of humanity will do anything in their power to protect human life.”

As the flotilla edges closer to Gaza under the shadow of Israeli threats, Rafiq’s message to its besieged people is stark yet hopeful: “I’m sorry the world has turned its back on you. But there are still people out there with a heart, and we will not stop until Palestine is free.”

Listen to the full interview on The Daily Round-Up with Annisa Essack and Abubakir Rafiq.