In an unprecedented act of global solidarity with the besieged people of Gaza, the Global Sumud Flotilla—the largest civilian maritime mission in history to challenge Israel’s illegal blockade—has set sail from Tunisian waters.

Comprising more than 50 vessels and nearly 1,000 participants from 44 countries, the flotilla brings together activists, politicians, journalists, academics, scholars, and human rights defenders determined to confront Israel’s 18-year siege. The ships, loaded with food, water, medical supplies, and baby formula, are sailing to Gaza not only to deliver aid but to send a defiant message: the blockade and genocide must end.

A Historic Voyage of Steadfastness

The Global Sumud Flotilla—named after the Arabic word sumud, meaning steadfastness and nonviolent resistance—departed from Barcelona, Spain, on August 31. It was joined by additional vessels from Italy, Greece, and Tunisia, uniting diverse coalitions such as the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, Global Movement to Gaza, Maghreb Sumud Flotilla, and Sumud Nusantara.

The mission recalls the legacy of past flotillas, including the 2010 Mavi Marmara, when Israeli commandos massacred 10 Turkish civilians in international waters, and recent attempts in 2025, when the aid ships Madleen and Handala were violently intercepted. Despite the risks, organizers vow to continue where governments have failed.

Voices from the Flotilla

Among the participants is Cumali Kaya, a civil engineer from Şanlıurfa, Türkiye. Speaking to ILKHA, Kaya emphasized the duty of civil society to act: “Those who survive Israel’s bombs are dying of hunger. Until today, we waited for governments to do something. But they failed. With God’s permission, civil initiatives will do what governments could not. The journey is ours; victory belongs to God.”

Another volunteer, Muhammed Yıldırım Er, also from Şanlıurfa, invoked the Quranic parable of the ebabil birds that defeated an army of oppressors: “No matter how fierce the Zionist terrorist state is, we will do everything in our power to reach Gaza. Governments failed to act, so we as civilians will carry out this mission. With Allah’s permission, we will succeed.”

From London, Prof. Penny Green, Professor of Law and Globalization at Queen Mary University, joined the flotilla on behalf of the Gaza Tribunal: “Western governments are complicit in this genocide. The Global Sumud Flotilla is doing what they refuse to do—breaking the siege and delivering aid to a starving population. I am here on behalf of Professor Richard Falk and the Gaza Tribunal to support this magnificent initiative.”

High-profile figures aboard include Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, Irish actor Liam Cunningham, former Barcelona Mayor Ada Colau, and U.S. actress Susan Sarandon, amplifying the flotilla’s call for justice.

Breaking the Siege, Defying Genocide

The mission comes as Gaza endures one of the darkest chapters in its history. Since late 2023, more than 63,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli attacks, while 332 people—including 124 children—have died of malnutrition, according to Gaza’s health ministry. Israel’s deliberate targeting of hospitals, schools, and food supplies has been condemned by activists as ethnic cleansing.

Saif Abukeshek, a Palestinian organizer of the flotilla, described the mission as a direct challenge to international failure: “This is a peaceful, humanitarian mission. International institutions have failed, and civilians are stepping up. Our message is clear: the siege must end, the genocide must stop.”

Under international maritime law and the Geneva Conventions, the activists stress, Israel’s blockade amounts to collective punishment and a war crime.

Risks on the Horizon

Despite legal protections, Israel has a long record of violently attacking humanitarian flotillas. In May 2025, Israeli drones struck the Conscience aid vessel; in June, commandos seized the Madleen. But participants in the Sumud Flotilla insist the greater danger lies not in facing Israeli aggression, but in allowing genocide to continue unchecked.

Brazilian activist Thiago Ávila summed it up: “Our boats carry more than aid; they carry the hopes of humanity. The greater danger is remaining silent while Gaza is starved to death.”

Global Support

As the flotilla sails toward Gaza—expected to arrive by mid-September—solidarity actions are planned in 44 countries to amplify its call. From South America to Asia, demonstrators will demand safe passage for the ships and an end to Israel’s siege.

A Symbol of Steadfast Resistance

The Global Sumud Flotilla stands as a beacon of global conscience, uniting diverse voices under the principle of sumud. It is more than a convoy of ships—it is a testament to the determination of ordinary people to confront tyranny, deliver hope, and break the chains imposed on Gaza.

As the ships of hope move closer to Palestine, the world watches to see whether justice will prevail over impunity. (ILKHA)