Global Sumud Flotilla Departs for Gaza to Break Israeli Siege

(MENAFN) The first boats of the Global Sumud Flotilla left Tunisia’s Bizerte Port and Sicily’s Augusta Port on Saturday, heading toward the Gaza Strip, which remains under an Israeli blockade, according to organizers.

A video shared by the group showcased one aid ship departing Tunisia on its journey to Gaza. The moment was captured by activists and journalists, including an Anadolu correspondent, who were present as the vessel set sail.

Simultaneously, a fleet of 18 boats from the flotilla’s Italian contingent departed from Augusta Port in Sicily after a week of preparation.

“They will meet the ships departing from Tunis today and tomorrow, including those that initially left Barcelona, gathering at sea next week,” the organizers stated in their announcement.

Among the passengers are several prominent politicians, including Arturo Scotto, a lawmaker from Italy’s leading opposition party, the Democratic Party (PD), and Annalisa Corrado, a European Parliament member, as confirmed by the correspondent.

In addition, more boats from Tunisia and Greece are expected to depart on Sunday, making their way to Gaza. “The ships will soon converge in international waters and sail together in what is set to be the largest maritime mission to Gaza,” organizers said.

“The world is rising. We will continue to challenge Israel’s illegal siege on Gaza and will not stop mobilizing until Palestine is free,” the statement added.

The flotilla consists of nearly 50 vessels, carrying between 500 and 700 activists, including artists, lawmakers, and influential political figures, from over 45 countries. This represents the largest such convoy to date, as previous aid efforts involved individual ships that were intercepted by Israel at sea.

The mission’s purpose, according to organizers, is to challenge the ongoing blockade and establish a humanitarian corridor to deliver critical aid to the Palestinian population in Gaza, which is suffering from famine due to Israel’s prolonged blockade.

Since October 2023, the Israeli military has continued its offensive on Gaza, resulting in over 64,800 Palestinian casualties. The ongoing campaign has left the region in ruins, exacerbating famine conditions.

Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel is also facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice over its actions in Gaza.

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