The International Committee for Breaking the Siege of Gaza announced on Sunday that a fresh wave of civilian vessels will set sail from southern Italy on September 24.

This new fleet unites the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) and the Thousand Madleens to Gaza (TMTG) initiatives, aiming to break the 18-year-long stranglehold on Gaza and deliver urgently needed humanitarian aid to its 2.4 million residents, who continue to face famine, displacement, and relentless bombardment.

The announcement coincides with the ongoing voyage of the pioneering Global Sumud Flotilla, which brings together over 50 ships from 44 countries and thousands of international activists, including climate advocate Greta Thunberg. Launched in late August and early September from ports in Genoa, Barcelona, Tunis, and Catania, the flotilla has overcome drone strikes, severe weather, and threats from Israel, converging in the Mediterranean for a unified push toward Gaza.

As of September 20, 49 vessels remain at sea despite technical setbacks, carrying more than 45 tons of aid from Italy alone, including food, water, medicine, and medical supplies from partners such as Emergency, an Italian NGO specializing in crisis response.

“This alliance of two global grassroots movements signals an unyielding commitment to justice,” the committee stated, emphasizing that the September 24 departure from Catania will feature additional vessels trailing the Sumud fleet. The FFC and TMTG are consolidating resources to enhance safety, legal protection, and communications amid Israel’s history of violent interceptions—including the 2010 Mavi Marmara massacre, which killed 10 activists, and multiple drone attacks on flotilla ships in May, June, and July 2025.

The committee underscored the moral imperative of the mission: “As suffering in Gaza deepens and the Israeli occupation persists in committing genocide in every form, it becomes a duty upon every free person in the world to take to the sea, break the siege, and provide a lifeline for the Gaza Strip.” Since October 7, 2023, Israel’s assault has claimed over 65,000 Palestinian lives—predominantly women and children—while enforcing a total blockade that has caused widespread famine and displaced nearly one million people. On September 17 alone, Israeli forces killed dozens in a ground offensive on Gaza City, even as the flotillas sailed.

Recent updates highlight the flotilla’s resilience and growing momentum. After rallying near Malta on September 16, the fleet—including reinforcements from Greece and Malaysia’s Sumud Nusantara Asian Flotilla—has survived sabotage attempts, including suspected Israeli drone strikes off Tunisia that damaged vessels like the Family (carrying Thunberg) and Alma on September 9 and 10.

Over 15,000 participants have undergone non-violence training, and organizers report that the flotilla is set to rendezvous near Greece before its final approach to Gaza, potentially arriving by late September.

Global support for the mission has surged. On September 16, foreign ministers from 16 nations—including Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Ireland, South Africa, Spain, and Türkiye—issued a joint statement expressing concern for the flotilla’s safety and warning Israel against obstruction, affirming its humanitarian intent under international law.

In Italy, thousands demonstrated in Naples and Rome, with the Unione Sindacale di Base (USB) union federation calling a general strike on September 22 to support the flotilla. Tunisian cities such as Sousse and Sfax witnessed mass marches on September 20, waving Palestinian flags, while Mexico City hosted thousands demanding a ceasefire and international sanctions against Israel. Even within Israel, 200–250 anti-Zionist Jews and Arabs rallied near Gaza’s border on September 19 to condemn the blockade and endorse the flotilla.

Israel, however, has escalated its rhetoric. On September 10, the Ministry for Diaspora Affairs labeled the Sumud Flotilla a “Hamas-linked extremist operation,” with National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir vowing to treat participants as “terrorists.” Activists warn that these smears, amplified by Google ads targeting the flotilla, foreshadow possible violent interception, reminiscent of the 2010 Mavi Marmara raid.

In response, Turkey and Egypt announced joint naval exercises in international waters from September 22–26, explicitly to safeguard the flotilla’s passage. Meanwhile, the FFC teased an October launch carrying “a new and innovative idea” to continue resistance, though details remain confidential for security reasons.

As these waves of ships converge, the flotillas not only deliver aid but embody sumud—Palestinian steadfastness—challenging the world to confront the ongoing occupation and humanitarian catastrophe. With Gaza’s children starving and its people resilient, the sea has become a frontline for humanity’s duty to act. (ILKHA)