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A convoy of around 20 vessels, known as the Global Sumud Flotilla, has departed Tunisia in mid-September 2025, aiming to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid. The flotilla includes activists from over 40 countries, with high-profile participants such as climate advocate Greta Thunberg, Irish actor Liam Cunningham, and European Parliament member Rima Hassan.
The mission, which began in late August from ports across Spain, Italy, and Greece, faced multiple delays due to severe weather and suspected drone attacks. Two boats were reportedly struck while anchored off the Tunisian coast, prompting condemnation from Tunisian authorities and calls for international investigation. Despite these setbacks, the flotilla regrouped in Bizerte and set sail toward Gaza on September 14.
Organizers describe the initiative as a peaceful humanitarian mission, unaffiliated with any government or political party. The term “Sumud,” meaning “resilience” in Arabic, reflects the flotilla’s commitment to solidarity and civil resistance. The fleet is carrying hundreds of tons of food, water, and medical supplies intended for civilians trapped in Gaza’s worsening humanitarian crisis.
The blockade, imposed by Israel since 2007, has been widely criticized by human rights organizations as a form of collective punishment. The current war, which began in October 2023, has resulted in over 64,000 Palestinian deaths and widespread famine, according to UN-verified figures. Israel denies the existence of famine and maintains that the blockade is necessary for national security.
The flotilla’s journey is fraught with risk. Previous missions have been intercepted by Israeli forces, and in 2010, nine activists were killed aboard the Turkish vessel Mavi Marmara. This year’s organizers have taken precautions by distributing prominent figures across multiple vessels to avoid concentrated targeting.
The Global Sumud Flotilla represents a growing international effort to challenge the blockade and demand humanitarian access. Whether or not the fleet reaches Gaza, its voyage has already reignited global attention on the crisis and the urgent need for diplomatic and humanitarian solutions.