In a powerful act of defiance against Israel’s 18-year blockade of Gaza, the Libyan vessel Omar al-Mukhtar departed on Sunday to join the Global Sumud Flotilla, the largest international effort yet to break the siege and deliver life-saving aid to Palestinians.

The ship, named after Libya’s legendary anti-colonial hero, carries not only humanitarian supplies but also a powerful message of solidarity to the 2.4 million Palestinians trapped in what has often been called the world’s largest open-air prison.

Spokesperson Nabil al-Soukni told Anadolu Agency that after being delayed due to stormy weather last Wednesday, the ship is now “fully prepared” for the historic journey.

“We are now fully ready with all our equipment,” al-Soukni declared, noting that the ship had increased its supply stores to support smaller vessels in the flotilla that were previously understocked. “We even prepared extra space to accommodate activists from boats deemed unsuitable for the journey.”

The cargo includes tents for forcibly displaced Palestinian families, vital medicines, baby formula, and other essential supplies. Al-Soukni stressed that the mission is a lifeline for Gaza’s civilian population, which continues to endure catastrophic conditions under Israel’s siege and military aggression.

“The popular and moral support we received from the Libyan people gave our crew tremendous strength,” he said.

The ship has been outfitted with a fully functional intensive care unit (ICU) to handle emergencies during the voyage and in Gaza. Medical officer Abdel Rahman Humaid confirmed that a specialized medical crew is on board.

“We equipped the ship with everything required for intensive care — from medicines to advanced medical equipment — so that we can respond immediately to any humanitarian need,” Humaid explained.

Among the activists aboard is former Libyan Prime Minister Omar al-Hassi, underscoring the political and symbolic weight of the mission.

As the flotilla sets sail, international lawyers are calling on global institutions to ensure its protection. Abdelhaq Benkadi, representing the Arab Lawyers Union aboard the flotilla, emphasized that the mission is strictly humanitarian and that any attack would constitute a violation of international law.

“The international community has an obligation to protect this convoy,” Benkadi said in an interview with Al Mayadeen. “Humanitarian crossings into Gaza were supposed to be opened long ago. The UN bears responsibility if any harm comes to us.”

Benkadi highlighted the “unprecedented popular support” the mission has received from across the globe, calling it proof that the flotilla has already achieved a major victory by mobilizing world opinion in defense of Palestine.

According to the International Committee to Break the Siege on Gaza, a total of 44 vessels departed from Italian ports on Saturday, with another six set to join from Greece. Organizers say the journey will take roughly one week to reach Gaza’s shores.

This represents the largest coordinated attempt to break the siege since the 2010 Mavi Marmara massacre, when Israeli commandos attacked a Turkish aid ship in international waters, killing nine activists and triggering global outrage.

In the past year, smaller missions — such as the Madleen and Handala flotillas — were intercepted by Israeli naval forces in blatant violations of maritime law. Participants were detained, their boats confiscated, and they were deported.

Despite these threats, the Global Sumud Flotilla presses forward, carrying not just humanitarian cargo but also the hopes of millions worldwide demanding an end to the illegal siege and the genocide being waged in Gaza. (ILKHA)