Eastchester man missing after joining Gaza aid flotilla; family searches for answers
Michael Fix, 61, joined a flotilla attempting to bring food, water and medicine to civilians in Gaza. Organizers of the flotilla say the mission was a peaceful response to what they call a growing humanitarian crisis in the region.
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An Eastchester family is anxiously awaiting word from their loved one after he vanished during an international mission to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Michael Fix, 61, joined a flotilla attempting to bring food, water and medicine to civilians in Gaza. Organizers of the flotilla say the mission was a peaceful response to what they call a growing humanitarian crisis in the region.
But according to Israeli officials, nearly all of the boats involved in the mission were intercepted before reaching Gaza. Hundreds of people are believed to have been detained.
A video has been released of Fix stating, “My name is Michael Fix and I’m a U.S. citizen. If you’re watching this video, then I’ve been kidnapped by the IOF,” referring to the Israel Occupation Forces.
Fix's brother, John Fix, says he had been tracking the flotilla’s movement online—until one by one, the signals went silent.
“The signal was disconnected, so all of a sudden, it’s just darkness,” John Fix told News 12.
Israel has defended its blockade of Gaza, citing national security concerns following the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks. But Michael Fix’s family insists his intention was to help those caught in the violence and bring awareness to these questions:
“Why shouldn’t they be able to bring in this aid?” John Fix asked. “There are citizens from around the world that are trying to help the situation...why are they being arrested?
The Fix family says they are in contact with U.S. officials and are working to confirm Michael Fix’s whereabouts and well-being. As of now, there has been no official word on whether he is among those detained. His family says all they can do is wait and hope.
