Global Sumud flotilla sails toward Gaza to challenge blockade
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Forty-four boats left Italy to join six from Greece in the “Flotilla of Steadfastness,” sailing to Gaza to protest the blockade and support Palestinians.
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A boat that is part of the Global Sumud Flotilla departs to Gaza to deliver aid amidst the Israeli blockade on the Palestinian territory, in the Tunisian port of Bizerte, Saturday, September 13, 2025 (AP)
The International Committee to Break the Siege on Gaza announced on Saturday that the Global Sumud Flotilla is now collectively sailing toward the Gaza Strip.
According to the committee, estimates suggest the flotilla will need about a week to reach the blockaded Palestinian territory.
A total of 44 vessels departed from Italian ports, while six additional boats currently docked in Greece are set to join the fleet.
The committee said the Greek vessels left port on Friday, sailing through the Aegean Sea with 26 Greek activists and 20 international solidarity participants on board.
The initiative aims to draw attention to the continuing blockade imposed on Gaza and to support the Palestinian population under siege. Organizers emphasized that the flotilla represents a peaceful effort to break the isolation of Gaza and to deliver a message of solidarity from around the world.
Hundreds of tons of aid
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.
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.
