The Tunisian contingent of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a multinational civilian mission aiming to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza, announced on Sunday that its departure has been postponed by three days due to technical and logistical difficulties.

Originally scheduled to depart on September 7, the Tunisian boats are now set to sail on Wednesday, September 10, from Sidi Bou Said port near Tunis. Organizers described the setback as “beyond management’s control,” following earlier weather-related delays that also affected other flotilla groups in Europe.

The Global Sumud Flotilla—named after the Arabic word for “steadfastness”—has been described as the largest civilian maritime effort yet to challenge Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza. More than 50 vessels and 1,000 participants from 44 countries are involved, representing delegations from Malaysia, Australia, Brazil, South Africa, Tunisia, and multiple European nations. The coalition includes activist networks such as the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, Global Movement to Gaza, Maghreb Sumud Flotilla, and Sumud Nusantara, stressing independence from governments and adherence to nonviolent resistance.

The mission seeks to deliver symbolic aid—mainly medical supplies—while spotlighting what organizers describe as an Israeli-imposed famine in Gaza, where UN agencies warn that 900,000 children face hunger and thousands have died from starvation amid the ongoing siege and war.

The main flotilla convoy departed Barcelona on August 31, carrying a high-profile delegation including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, Irish actor Liam Cunningham, and former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau.

After stormy weather forced a temporary return to port on September 1, the Barcelona fleet resumed its voyage and has since navigated past the Balearic Islands. Two vessels underwent repairs in Menorca before rejoining. According to Spanish and Tunisian media, the convoy is now approaching Tunisian waters, where it will rendezvous with Tunisian vessels and others sailing from Sicily and Greece later this week.

Humanitarian NGO Emergency has deployed its medical support ship Life Support to accompany the mission, providing doctors and equipment in case of health emergencies during the voyage.

The flotilla faces mounting risks. On September 6, activists reported Israeli drones monitoring vessels in the Mediterranean, echoing past incidents such as the May 2025 “Conscience” flotilla that was struck by drones off Malta. In June, Greta Thunberg herself was detained aboard the Madleen by Israeli naval forces 100 nautical miles off Gaza.

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has threatened to classify flotilla participants as “terrorists” and vowed to intercept all vessels before they reach Gaza. Organizers condemned these threats as “illegal intimidation”, calling on the United Nations and international community to guarantee safe passage.

The mission has gained unprecedented global backing. More than 100 elected officials from Europe, Latin America, and Africa signed an open letter demanding a humanitarian corridor for Gaza and protection for the flotilla. French actress Adèle Haenel has joined the Tunisian contingent, alongside Italian politicians including MEPs Benedetta Scuderi and Annalisa Corrado, Senator Marco Croatti, and MEP Arturo Scotto.

Brazilian activist Thiago Ávila and Palestinian organizer Saif Abukeshek emphasized that the flotilla is not just about aid but about “breaking the silence around genocide.” Abukeshek declared: “Silence today is complicity in genocide. This mission is the voice of the world’s conscience.”

The Tunisian contingent is expected to depart on September 10, with the flotilla aiming to reach Gaza’s coast between September 15 and 20, depending on weather and Israeli interception. Covering over 3,000 kilometers (1,620 nautical miles) in roughly eight days, it will be one of the most ambitious solidarity efforts since the 2010 Mavi Marmara incident, when Israeli forces killed 10 activists in international waters.

Despite the dangers, organizers insist the mission will continue, vowing to highlight Gaza’s plight and challenge an 18-year blockade that has devastated the enclave’s economy, health system, and food security. (ILKHA)