Photo: TRNN Editor-in-Chief Maximillian Alvarez (right) speaks with Mskwaasin Agnew (left) aboard the vessel Conscience on Oct. 4, 2025.
Video: «Defying Israel, more ships sail to Gaza after Global Sumud Flotilla captured» (YouTube)
Summary
Israel intercepted and detained all vessels and volunteers from the Global Sumud Flotilla, prompting international protests from Buenos Aires to Barcelona. In Italy, unions organized a one-day general strike in solidarity with the flotilla. A separate, smaller group of ships organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition is currently en route to Gaza. On Oct. 4, 2025, TRNN Editor-in-Chief Maximillian Alvarez spoke with Mskwaasin Agnew, a Cree and Dene healthcare worker from Salt River First Nation, who is sailing aboard the Conscience with the Freedom Flotilla.
Guest
Mskwaasin Agnew – Cree and Dene from Salt River First Nation, raised in Toronto. She is a first responder and Indigenous harm-reduction practitioner, and is active as an organizer, land defender and abolitionist. Agnew is involved in Palestinian and Indigenous solidarity work and is part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition crew.
Related links and reporting
– Freedom Flotilla Coalition: linktree and Instagram pages
– Marc Steiner, The Real News Network: «US veterans’ final message from the Global Sumud Flotilla before being intercepted by Israel»
– Maximillian Alvarez, The Real News Network: «‘If I’m killed on this mission…’: Global Sumud Flotilla sets sail for Gaza despite Israel’s threats»
– Maximillian Alvarez, The Real News Network: «Why US veterans are sailing to Gaza with the Global Sumud Flotilla»
Production credits
Studio production / post production: Maximillian Alvarez, David Hebden
Transcript note
The available transcript was rushed and may contain errors. The following is a neutral summary of the interview’s main points.
Key points from the interview (summary)
– Current situation and mission: Agnew reported she was aboard the Conscience with the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, roughly four days from Gaza and traveling in the eastern Mediterranean. The flotilla had joined with additional vessels and was approaching the area described as the «red zone.»
– Purpose and legal framing: The flotilla’s stated purpose is to deliver humanitarian aid and to challenge what participants say is an illegal blockade. Agnew asserted the mission is grounded in international law and described the flotilla as composed of healthcare workers, journalists and other volunteers.
– Response to interceptions: Agnew said the crew remained determined despite Israel’s interception and detention of members of the Global Sumud Flotilla. She criticized actions by Israeli authorities and described concerns about detention conditions and calls by some Israeli officials to imprison activists.
– Healthcare conditions in Gaza: Agnew and other medical volunteers on board cited severe shortages and attacks on medical facilities in Gaza. They said hospitals and makeshift treatment sites have been targeted and that health workers and patients face life-threatening conditions, including high numbers of child amputees and limited access to medical supplies and equipment.
– Indigenous perspective and solidarity: Agnew connected her participation to Indigenous experiences in North America, citing parallels between settler colonial policies historically applied in Canada and the Israeli occupation. She referenced statements by some Indigenous organizations recognizing Palestinian rights and framed her participation as an act of global Indigenous solidarity.
– Calls for international action: Agnew encouraged political pressure on governments, emphasizing calls for sanctions and a two-way arms embargo. She recommended constituents contact elected representatives and said many participants view direct public actions-such as protests and strikes-as necessary beyond petitions and letters.
What participants asked of the public (as reported)
– Raise awareness about the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
– Contact government representatives about sanctions and arms embargoes.
– Consider public demonstrations and other collective actions to increase political pressure.
This summary reflects statements made during the on-board interview and linked reporting; it does not independently verify claims made by participants or by other parties involved.