Sumud Flotilla heads for Gaza as Libyan ship Omar al-Mukhtar joins for support

In the largest international effort to break the blockade of Gaza in years, the Libyan ship Omar al-Mukhtar departed Tripoli on Sunday to join the Sumud Flotilla which includes dozens of vessels carrying aid and activists.

The move, backed by both Libya’s public and officials, comes as the fleet sails toward a gathering point in the Mediterranean, despite close surveillance from ‘Israeli’ reconnaissance aircrafts.

Libya’s vessel set sail equipped with an intensive care unit, providing health services for the fleet after being delayed on Wednesday due to bad weather.

Nabil al-Soukni, spokesman for the ship, said: “We are now fully ready with all our equipment, and we increased the storage of supplies for some of the smaller boats that had been understocked due to their size.”

More space was allocated for activists from some boats that had been unsuitable for reaching Gaza, al-Soukni added.

Additionally, the ship carries tents for displaced Palestinians, medicines, baby formula, and other supplies serving different age groups in Gaza.

Sumud is the largest mission of its kind since the 2010 Freedom Flotilla, when 'Israeli' forces launched a deadly raid on the Mavi Marmara fleet, killing several activists. 

Read more: Unidentified drones fly near Global Sumud Flotilla ships: Reports

That history has heightened tensions surrounding the current voyage, especially as ‘Israeli’ drones were spotted flying low over the ships.

The Libyan vessel carries doctors and human rights activists from Scotland and Canada, as well as former Libyan Prime Minister Omar al-Hassi. 

In a symbolic gesture, the ship is equipped with a full emergency medical unit named after imprisoned Palestinian doctor Hossam Abu Safiya, director of Gaza’s Shifa Hospital. 

Libya’s emergency agency has also assigned a helicopter to provide medical support, reflecting official backing for the mission.

According to the International Committee for Breaking the Siege of Gaza, dozens of ships from multiple countries carrying humanitarian and medical aid will soon assemble off Malta’s coast before sailing together toward Gaza. 

The mission represents the largest attempt in 18 years to breach the blockade imposed on over two million Palestinians under ‘Israeli’ aggression and famine.