Abdelhaq Benkadi, representative of the Arab Lawyers Union aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, stressed that the international community bears responsibility for protecting the fleet, which is undertaking a strictly humanitarian mission.

Speaking to Al Mayadeen, Benkadi noted that although the international community had previously decided to open humanitarian crossings into Gaza, “it has yet to implement that decision.” He held the United Nations accountable for any potential threats facing the convoy.

The lawyer highlighted the “unprecedented popular support” from people around the world, who are providing participants with all necessary resources. He said this wave of solidarity reflects the success of the convoy’s goals even before reaching Gaza.

Read more: Global Sumud Flotilla vessel comes under attack again

Breaking the silence on Gaza

Ahmed Yohman, head of the Moroccan Observatory Against Normalization, also emphasized the convoy’s symbolic importance. He argued that “the first achievement of the Global Sumud Flotilla is breaking the silence on the massacre in Gaza.”

According to Yohman, the initiative has boosted morale among participants, while “dissolving individual identities into a shared, unified identity” in support of Gaza.

Read more: Global Sumud flotilla, largest yet, to set sail bound for Gaza

A global effort to break the siege

The Global Sumud Flotilla set sail collectively on Saturday toward the besieged Gaza Strip, according to the International Committee to Break the Siege on Gaza.

The committee reported that 44 vessels departed from Italian ports, with an additional six ships scheduled to join from ports in Greece. The fleet is expected to take around one week to reach its destination.

The initiative marks one of the largest coordinated maritime efforts in recent years to challenge the ongoing Israeli blockade on Gaza.

Read more: Global Sumud flotilla sails toward Gaza to challenge blockade