Ewa Jasiewicz on the flotilla

A WOMAN from Kentish Town is one of 350 people sailing to Gaza on a flotilla to deliver aid and to open a humanitarian corridor.

Trade union educator Ewa Jasiewicz, 47, is on board a six-person sail boat made up of a range of people aged 25 to 72, which is part of the Global Sumud Flotilla that hopes to reach Palestine with life-saving supplies soon.

She said last Tuesday night the flotilla had been subjected to “psychological warfare” and intimidation.

Speaking from the vessel, Ms Jasiewicz said: “I could see drones. I could hear bangs, I could see the flashes. It feels like you’re being bombed.”

They have fuel on the deck, which could burst into flames if something incendiary lands on deck, “which is quite scary” she said, but added that morale was high.

“It seems like we’re part of beautiful international collective action,” she said.

“And manifestation of the will of millions of people around the world who are with us in spirit. Twenty-six-thousand people applied to be part of this flotilla so it means a lot to be participating. I don’t have sailing experience but I’ve learnt some because our autopilot didn’t work for a few days so we’re taking it in turns to steer the ship.”

A letter coordinated by Camden Friends of Palestine and signed by local groups, said: “[Sir Keir] Starmer must listen to the demands of his constituents in Camden and publicly call on Israel to halt all threats and attacks against the Global Sumud Flotilla and demand the safe passage of humanitarian aid into Gaza.”