SHOTLIST: SICILY, ITALY (SEP. 10, 2025) (ANADOLU – ACCESS ALL) 1. SHIPS ANCHORED IN PORT IN SICILY (TWO SHOTS) 2. (SOUNDBITE) (Italian) ITALIAN ACTIVIST CARLO ALBERTO, PREPARING TO JOIN THE GLOBAL SUMUD FLOTILLA SAYING: “I’m here for a very clear reason — an entire people is suffering while much of the world remains indifferent. Since I am part of that world, as a European, I don’t feel represented by what our governments are doing. That’s why I feel the need to take a stand and show that, in reality, ordinary people are more on the side of those who are suffering. In this case, that means standing with the Palestinians, because I find everything that’s happening absolutely inhumane. I don’t believe any people has the right to exterminate another, especially not for religious reasons. All religions are valid, all deserve respect, but we must learn to coexist in a more humane way. It’s 2025 — we are human beings, we have brains, and yet we’re still shooting at each other as if it were the Middle Ages. I’m here to raise awareness and help people understand that this is not the solution. I hope we manage to reach Gaza. And even if we don’t, I hope people — especially politicians — realize that they are now in the minority. Even if they were elected, they no longer represent the will of the majority, particularly in Europe. Most people no longer support what’s happening. I believe the Global Flotilla has already made a difference. There are so many of us here — almost 300 people, many boats — and we’re working from morning until night, preparing to sail into a war zone. That alone, to me, is already a powerful sign of change. And maybe, after this, more people will want to carry the movement forward.” 3. (SOUNDBITE) (English) SWISS ACTIVIST JEREMY CHEVALLEY, PREPARING TO JOIN THE GLOBAL SUMUD FLOTILLA SAYING: “I’m here because my government, like many others, is complicit with Israel and does nothing to stop it. That’s why I believe it’s now the duty of citizens to act where governments have failed. It’s very shameful. My hope is to see a strong grassroots movement grow, one that puts real pressure on governments so they, in turn, pressure Israel. My biggest expectation is to reach Gaza — and maybe, by doing so, we can change something. I truly hope so.” 4. (SOUNDBITE) (Turkish) TURKISH ACTIVIST HUSAMETTIN EYUBOGLU, PREPARING TO JOIN THE GLOBAL SUMUD FLOTILLA SAYING: “I hope that this time we will reach Gaza—that we will deliver the humanitarian and medical aid we’re carrying, and embrace the people there. I hope that people of conscience around the world will ensure that humanity never again has to witness or endure such a genocide. That 8 billion people will rise and say, ‘Enough.’ That is our mission and our purpose.”SICILY, ITALY - SEP. 10: Activists preparing to join the Global Sumud Flotilla from Italy said Wednesday, Sept.10, they hope the initiative will push governments, especially in Europe, to reconsider their policies on Gaza as the enclave remains under blockade and bombardment. The flotilla, which set sail from Barcelona on Aug. 31, aims to challenge Israel’s blockade and deliver humanitarian and medical supplies to Palestinians in Gaza. Several vessels from Italy’s Genoa joined the same day, carrying nearly 300 tons of aid. Carlo Alberto, an Italian activist, said his decision to join was rooted in a sense of moral duty. “I’m here for a very clear reason — an entire people is suffering while much of the world remains indifferent. Since I am part of that world, as a European, I don’t feel represented by what our governments are doing,” he said. Alberto stressed that those taking part are not political figures but ordinary citizens. “I hope we manage to reach Gaza. And even if we don’t, I hope people — especially politicians — realize that they are now in the minority. Even if they were elected, they no longer represent the will of the majority, particularly in Europe. Most people no longer support what’s happening.,” he added. Swiss activist Jeremy Chevalley voiced frustration with governments, saying: “I’m here because my government, like many others, is complicit with Israel and does nothing to stop it. That’s why I believe it’s now the duty of citizens to act where governments have failed. It’s very shameful.” "I hope that this time we will reach Gaza—that we will deliver the humanitarian and medical aid we’re carrying, and embrace the people there. I hope that people of conscience around the world will ensure that humanity never again has to witness or endure such a genocide. That 8 billion people will rise and say, ‘Enough.’ That is our mission and our purpose," teacher Husamettin Eyuboglu from Türkiye said. The Global Sumud Flotilla, named after the Arabic word for “steadfastness,” is made up of more than 50 ships carrying people from various countries, including doctors, journalists and campaigners. Around 150 activists, including Tunisians, Turks and others from Europe, Africa and Asia -- are participating in the initiative. The flotilla set sail from Barcelona in late August along with another group from Genoa, Italy and is expected to depart Tunisia on Wednesday for Gaza. The initiative aims to challenge Israel’s blockade and deliver humanitarian aid to the enclave. The UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) reported on Aug. 22 that famine had taken hold in northern Gaza and warned that it could spread as Israel’s blockade continues. Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza entered its 700th day on Friday, with Israeli forces having killed more than 64,500 Palestinians. The military campaign has devastated the enclave, which is facing famine. Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.