A massive civilian flotilla, dubbed the Global Sumud Flotilla, is gearing up to depart for the Gaza Strip at the end of August in a bold attempt to break Israel’s long-standing blockade, which has pushed the territory’s 2.3 million residents to the brink of famine.

Announced at a press conference in Tunis hosted by the Joint Action Coordination for Palestine, organizers revealed that activists from 44 countries have joined the unprecedented effort, marking it as the largest civilian flotilla of its kind in history.

“This summer, dozens of boats, both large and small, will set sail from ports across the world, converging on Gaza to break the illegal blockade, establish a humanitarian corridor, and confront the ongoing genocide against the Palestinian people,” said Haifa Mansouri, a key organizer. The flotilla unites four major initiatives: the Maghreb Sumud Flotilla, the Global Movement to Gaza, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, and Sumud Nusantara.

The first convoy is scheduled to depart from Spanish ports on August 31, with a second convoy following from Tunisian ports on September 4. Organizer Seif Abu Keshk reported that over 6,000 activists have already registered online to participate. “Participants will undergo training at departure points, with solidarity events and encampments planned along the way,” he said, emphasizing the flotilla’s goal to “pressure governments by sending dozens of ships and thousands of activists to break Gaza’s blockade.”

The announcement follows a recent incident on July 26, 2025, when Israeli naval forces intercepted the Handala, an aid ship carrying humanitarian supplies, approximately 70 nautical miles from Gaza’s coast. The vessel, part of a smaller precursor mission, was escorted to Israel’s Ashdod Port, where its crew was detained and later released, according to the International Committee to Break the Siege on Gaza. The Handala had surpassed the distance covered by the Madleen, another aid vessel stopped 110 miles from Gaza in a prior attempt. Israeli authorities claimed the ship violated maritime restrictions, a move condemned by organizers as an escalation of the blockade.

Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, launched on October 7, 2023, has drawn global condemnation for its devastating toll. As of August 2025, the offensive has killed nearly 61,000 Palestinians, with women and children accounting for almost half of the casualties, according to Gaza’s health authorities. The enclave’s infrastructure lies in ruins, with widespread hunger reported due to restricted aid access. In November 2024, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, charging them with war crimes and crimes against humanity. Israel also faces an ongoing genocide case at the International Court of Justice.

Despite international calls for a ceasefire, Israel maintains its blockade, citing security concerns. The Global Sumud Flotilla’s organizers remain undeterred, framing their mission as a direct challenge to what they describe as an “illegal and inhumane” siege. “This is about humanity standing up to oppression,” Mansouri said. “We will sail to Gaza, and we will not stop until the blockade is lifted.”

The flotilla’s departure is expected to draw significant global attention, with solidarity events planned in multiple countries. However, security analysts warn of potential confrontations at sea, given Israel’s history of intercepting aid vessels.

In 2010, a similar flotilla attempt led to a deadly raid by Israeli forces, killing nine activists aboard the Mavi Marmara. Organizers say they are preparing for all scenarios, with legal and diplomatic teams on standby to support the mission. (ILKHA)