Al Mayadeen's correspondent reports from atop Global Sumud Flotilla
3 Min Read
With over 600 participants from 44 countries, among them Al Mayadeen's Murad al-Dalansi, the Global Sumud Flotilla is en route to Gaza to break the blockade.
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A man waves a Palestinian flags to other activists and human rights defenders riding aboard a vessel departing from Tunisia's northern port of Bizerte on September 14, 2025 to join the last boats taking part in the Global Sumud Flotilla. (Photo by Mohamed Fliss/AFP)
Al Mayadeen's correspondent in Tunisia, Murad al-Dalansi, is currently on board one of the vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla, and will be reporting on developments as the mission progresses. This major humanitarian initiative has set out with the goal of breaking the naval blockade imposed by "Israel" on Gaza and delivering essential aid to its besieged population.
As of now, the flotilla remains stationed in Tunisian waters, off the coast of Nabeul province in northeastern Tunisia. Al Mayadeen's correspondent cited brief delays due to weather conditions but emphasized that spirits remain high among the fleet's participants.
مراسل #الميادين مراد الدلنسي، من على متن #أسطول_الصمود_العالمي المتوجّه إلى #غزة، ينقل لنا الأجواء ومدة الرحلة المتوقعة للوصول👇 pic.twitter.com/pAc7P10Ou7
— قناة الميادين (@AlMayadeenNews) September 17, 2025
Despite the pause, al-Delansi confirmed that the Tunisian fleet is preparing to continue its journey. He noted that over 45 vessels have already departed from Tunisian ports, and an additional 17 ships are expected to join from Italy.
The overall Global Sumud Flotilla now consists of more than 50 active vessels, with around 600 participants from 44 countries on board, carrying 500 tons of humanitarian aid.
Determined activists undeterred by Israeli threats
According to al-Dalansi, the volunteers aboard remain resolute despite explicit threats from the Israeli occupation. "The participants are fully committed to this humanitarian effort and will press forward until the very last point they can reach," he reported.
"معنويات المشاركين في "أسطول الصمود" العالمي مرتفعة رغم التهديدات الإسرائيلية، وهم مصرّون على الوصول إلى أبعد نقطة ممكنة"
— قناة الميادين (@AlMayadeenNews) September 17, 2025
مراسل #الميادين مراد الدلنسي، من على متن #أسطول_الصمود_العالمي👇 pic.twitter.com/jrAa1HqsKK
The humanitarian convoy has received widespread international backing. 16 countries, including Turkey, Qatar, South Africa, and Ireland, have issued a joint statement calling for the protection of the flotilla and respect for international law.
Notable figures among the participants include Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, American actress Susan Sarandon, and Irish actor Liam Cunningham, alongside parliamentarians and civil society members from across Europe and beyond.
Drone attacks, diplomacy
The voyage has not been without risk. On September 9, the Portuguese-flagged vessel "Family Boat" was hit by an Israeli drone, causing a fire that was swiftly controlled. The following day, the British-flagged "Alma," the flotilla’s largest ship, was similarly targeted, though no casualties were reported.
Despite these incidents, the organizers stress the symbolic and humanitarian significance of the mission. They emphasize that beyond delivering aid, the Global Sumud Flotilla aims to draw international attention to the genocide in Gaza.
Organizers estimate that the fleet will reach Gaza’s waters within 10 to 14 days, assuming no further interference.
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