Quds News Network

Tunis (Quds News Network)- A massive civilian flotilla is preparing to sail to the Gaza Strip in a bold effort to break Israel’s siege. Organizers say this will be the largest coordinated sailing to Gaza since the blockade began in 2007. Dozens of boats will leave ports across the world at the end of August. The first fleet will depart from Spain on August 31. Another will follow from Tunisia on September 4. A Southeast Asian convoy, led by Malaysia, will be flagged off on August 23 by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The campaign, known as the Global Sumud Flotilla, includes activists from more than 44 countries. Delegations from the US, Brazil, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Italy are among those taking part. Onboard will be doctors, lawyers, journalists, and human rights defenders. At a press conference in Tunis, organizers said the flotilla aims to confront the genocide in Gaza and the silence of the international community. “This summer, dozens of boats, both large and small, will set sail from ports across the world, converging on Gaza in the largest civilian flotilla of its kind in history,” said organizer Haifa Mansouri. The effort brings together four global initiatives: the Maghreb Sumud Flotilla, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, the Global Movement to Gaza, and Sumud Nusantara. Their unified goal, Mansouri explained, is to “break the illegal blockade on Gaza by sea, establish a humanitarian corridor, and confront the ongoing genocide against the Palestinian people.” Seif Abu Keshk, another organizer, said over 6,000 people have already registered to join the convoys. “Participants will undergo training at departure points,” he said. “Solidarity events and encampments are planned along the way.” Organizers have warned Israel not to intercept the flotilla. Any attempt to stop it in international waters, they say, would constitute piracy under international law. The flotilla announcement comes just days after Israeli naval forces intercepted the Handala, a Gaza-bound aid ship, on July 26. The vessel was about 70 nautical miles from Gaza when it was forced to dock in Israel’s Ashdod port. Earlier this year, the Madleen made it within 110 miles before being stopped. Since October 7, 2023, Israel has waged a genocide in Gaza. Nearly 61,000 Palestinians have been killed, almost half of them women and children. Homes, hospitals, and entire neighborhoods have been reduced to rubble. Gaza is now on the brink of famine, with aid blocked and infrastructure destroyed. In November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The charges include war crimes and crimes against humanity. Israel also stands accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice. Despite global outcry, Israeli attacks continue. Governments have failed to act. The Global Sumud Flotilla hopes to break that silence.

Largest Civilian Flotilla in History to Challenge Gaza Blockade

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