Global "Sumud" flotilla to depart Spain for Gaza on Sunday

The International Committee to Break the Siege on Gaza announced on Saturday that the “Global Sumud Flotilla” will set sail from Barcelona on Sunday, with a second departure scheduled for Thursday from Tunisia.

The flotilla aims to challenge 'Israel’s' longstanding blockade of the Palestinian enclave.

In a statement, the committee described the flotilla as a global protest against “the siege and genocide” in Gaza, criticizing international institutions for what it called “failure and complicity.” Organizers emphasized that the flotilla is “not just symbolic boats carrying aid, but a powerful humanitarian message” reflecting worldwide determination to end the blockade.

“Each ship carries a cry of hope for Gaza and a global voice demanding an immediate end to the blockade and injustice,” the statement added.

The Global Sumud Flotilla brings together four initiatives: the Maghreb Sumud Flotilla, the Global Movement to Gaza, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, and Sumud Nusantara. Organizers said the effort follows previous attempts to breach the blockade, including the 2010 Turkish ship Mavi Marmara and this year’s missions of the vessels Al-Dhamir, Madleen, and Handala.

'Israeli' naval forces intercepted the Handala ship on July 26 as it neared Gaza, escorting it to Ashdod Port. The vessel had reached approximately 70 nautical miles from Gaza, surpassing the distance achieved by the Madleen, which was stopped 110 miles from the enclave, according to the committee.

Pro-Palestinian activists preparing to depart from Spain in dozens of boats carrying aid are calling on governments to pressure 'Israel' to allow the flotilla through its naval blockade. Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and Portuguese politician Mariana Mortagua are among hundreds from 44 countries participating. Sumud means “perseverance” in Arabic.

'Israel' has blocked numerous flotilla attempts over the past 15 years, including the 2010 boarding in which at least nine Turkish activists were killed. Organizers say it is now up to politicians to ensure safe passage. “They need to act to defend human rights and guarantee a safe passage for this flotilla,” said Saif Abukeshek, a Palestinian resident of Spain and one of the organizers.