Global Sumud Flotilla Sails to Gaza to Break Israeli Siege

2025-09-01 05:45:24

(MENAFN) The International Committee to Break the Siege on Gaza announced on Saturday that the “Global Sumud Flotilla” will embark from Barcelona on Sunday, with a second departure planned for Thursday from Tunisia. The mission aims to directly confront Israel’s ongoing blockade of the Palestinian territory.

In an official statement, the committee framed the flotilla as a worldwide protest opposing “the siege and genocide” imposed on Gaza, sharply criticizing international bodies for their “failure and complicity.”

The committee emphasized that the convoy represents “not just symbolic boats carrying aid, but a powerful humanitarian message” that embodies global resolve to end the blockade. “Every ship carries a cry of hope for Gaza and a global voice demanding an immediate end to the blockade and injustice,” the statement declared.

This Global Sumud Flotilla unites four key groups: the Maghreb Sumud Flotilla, the Global Movement to Gaza, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, and Sumud Nusantara.

Organizers pointed out that the campaign builds on previous efforts to breach the blockade, citing the 2010 Turkish ship Mavi Marmara incident and the recent voyages of the Al-Dhamir, Madleen, and Handala vessels.

Israeli naval forces intercepted the Handala aid ship on July 26 near Gaza, diverting it to Ashdod Port. The Handala reached approximately 70 nautical miles offshore, exceeding the distance achieved by the Madleen, which was stopped after covering 110 miles, according to the committee.

Since October 2023, Israeli military operations have resulted in the deaths of nearly 63,400 Palestinians in Gaza, leaving the region devastated and facing famine.

In November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, charging them with war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the Gaza conflict.

Additionally, Israel is confronting a genocide case at the International Court of Justice over its military actions in the enclave.

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