The Global Sumud Flotilla, the largest civilian maritime mission yet to challenge Israel’s 18-year blockade of the Gaza Strip, announced Monday that it is only three to four days away from reaching the besieged enclave and is preparing to enter “high-risk waters” within the next 48 hours.

In a statement shared by its Maghreb branch, the coalition confirmed that its two lead ships — Ohuaila and All In — are currently just 366 nautical miles (589 km) from Gaza. “Our resolve is firm, but this moment requires the highest levels of vigilance and global solidarity,” the flotilla said. “Join us. Stop the genocide. Keep your eyes on Gaza.”

The mission, which began earlier this month with smaller convoys setting sail from multiple ports across Europe and the Mediterranean, has now grown to 44 vessels after two additional boats joined en route. On board are more than 500 civilian activists from 40 countries, including doctors, lawyers, clergy, journalists, parliamentarians, and human rights defenders from every continent.

This marks the first time in history that such a large number of ships have sailed together toward Gaza carrying humanitarian aid, primarily life-saving medical supplies, in defiance of Israel’s naval siege. Gaza, home to some 2.4 million Palestinians, has been under an Israeli land, sea, and air blockade since 2007, a policy widely condemned by rights groups as a form of collective punishment.

Escalating Threats at Sea

The convoy faces increasing risks. Just days ago, unidentified military aircraft — believed to be Israeli — flew at low altitude over flotilla ships in Greek territorial waters for the second time in a week. Activists on board described the maneuvers as intimidation tactics meant to pressure the convoy into turning back.

Despite this, the flotilla has continued its course. Organizers stress that their mission is strictly peaceful and humanitarian, aimed at breaking what they call an “illegal, inhumane siege” that has devastated Gaza’s economy, destroyed its health system, and left its population dependent on aid.

Global Solidarity on the Move

The flotilla, named Sumud (Arabic for “steadfastness”), has become a rallying point for international solidarity. Protests and support rallies have been held in several cities including Istanbul, Madrid, Johannesburg, and Kuala Lumpur, where thousands called on their governments to ensure the safety of the convoy.

Spain and Italy have already dispatched naval vessels to escort parts of the flotilla, a move welcomed by activists as a sign of growing European willingness to confront Israel’s blockade. Civil society organizations across the Muslim world, however, have criticized the silence of many Arab and Islamic governments, urging them to provide both naval and diplomatic protection for the convoy.

Gaza Awaits Lifeline

Inside Gaza, news of the approaching flotilla has stirred both hope and fear. Families of patients in desperate need of medicine have expressed prayers for its safe arrival. At the same time, Palestinians recall previous deadly Israeli assaults on aid missions, including the 2010 attack on the Mavi Marmara, when Israeli commandos killed 10 Turkish activists in international waters.

For many in Gaza, the Sumud Flotilla is seen as more than a humanitarian effort — it is a symbolic lifeline and a test of the international community’s will to break Israel’s siege.

As the convoy sails closer, organizers insist they will not turn back. “This flotilla represents the conscience of the world,” the coalition declared. “If Israel attacks us, it will be attacking humanity itself.” (ILKHA)