The World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU), representing over 110 million workers across 134 countries, has issued a resolute statement of support for the Global Sumud Flotilla, a historic maritime mission aimed at breaking the illegal Israeli siege on Gaza.

The flotilla, comprising over 300 activists and 50 ships from 44 nations, set sail from Spanish ports on August 31, 2025, carrying humanitarian aid and a message of unwavering support for the Palestinian people’s struggle against occupation and oppression.

The WFTU’s statement comes at a critical juncture, as Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza have intensified, with reports indicating a deliberate strategy of starvation and systemic ethnic cleansing. The flotilla’s mission is a direct response to these atrocities, seeking to deliver essential supplies to a population enduring famine as a weapon of war. On the eve of the flotilla’s departure, an estimated 50,000 people marched in Spain to express solidarity with both the Palestinian cause and the flotilla’s courageous participants.

The WFTU highlighted the pivotal role of dockworkers, particularly those affiliated with Italy’s Unione Sindacale di Base (USB). USB dockworkers in Genoa played a key role in collecting aid and ensuring its safe passage, with representatives joining the flotilla to personally deliver the supplies to Gaza. “Everything that has been collected must reach the people of Gaza,” the USB dockworkers declared, underscoring their commitment to the mission’s success. The WFTU also praised dockworkers in Italy, Greece, France, and other major ports who, under WFTU guidance, have refused to handle weapons and military equipment destined for Israel. These acts of resistance exemplify the power of workers’ solidarity and internationalism in confronting injustice.

As of September 4, 2025, the Global Sumud Flotilla continues its journey toward Gaza, though it faces significant challenges. Recent reports indicate that Israeli naval forces have intensified patrols in the eastern Mediterranean, raising concerns about potential attempts to intercept the flotilla. Despite these threats, the mission remains steadfast, with organizers emphasizing their right under international law to deliver humanitarian aid. The flotilla has garnered widespread global support, with solidarity protests reported in cities across Europe, North America, and the Middle East, amplifying calls for an end to the blockade and Israel’s occupation.

The WFTU reiterated its unwavering support for the Palestinian people, condemning Israel’s armed campaigns and aggression not only in Gaza but also in Lebanon, Syria, and Iran. The federation demands an immediate end to the occupation, the dismantling of illegal settlements, the right of return for Palestinian refugees, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. “The Palestinian people and workers, under siege and under fire, continue to resist with dignity. Their struggle is our struggle,” the WFTU stated.

The Global Sumud Flotilla represents a beacon of hope and defiance in the face of oppression. As it sails toward Gaza, the WFTU and the international labor movement stand united, calling for the flotilla’s safe passage and urging the global community to intensify efforts to end Israel’s blockade and ensure justice for Palestine. (ILKHA)