Navigation of humanitarian aid vessel intended to bypass restrictive maritime blockade in Gaza

The Global Sumud Flotilla, a diverse coalition of ships carrying aid and hope, is on a mission to break the blockade around Gaza. The flotilla, which set sail from Barcelona on September 1st, has been delayed due to bad weather but is now continuing its journey with around a dozen more ships from the Maghreb Sumud Flotilla.

The Maghreb Sumud Flotilla, a significant part of the larger Global Sumud Flotilla, consists primarily of ships from Maghreb countries, notably Morocco. Participants from 44 countries worldwide are part of this historic voyage, with ships departing from places like Tunisia, Italy, and Greece to head toward Gaza.

Rima Hassan, a participant in the Global Sumud Flotilla, praised the courage and commitment of the flotilla, stating it represents a rift between the people and the governments worldwide. However, Israel's Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben Gvir, has labeled all participants as "terrorists."

Basel Ramsis, an Egyptian filmmaker and writer, is the only Egyptian participant in the Global Sumud Flotilla. He joined the flotilla with a seven-member crew on the ship Yolara, but is concerned about Israel's and Egypt's reactions to his participation.

Some Egyptian authorities violently prevented participants from joining the Madleen flotilla via air. Despite these challenges, 18 people from Germany are preparing in Tunisia for the journey to Gaza, attending training sessions on ship behavior and anti-violence.

Thiago Avila, a participant in the Global Sumud Flotilla, is considered a supporter of Hezbollah, classified as a terrorist organization in Germany. However, there were no visible symbols of Hamas or Hezbollah or anti-Israeli slogans at the current Global Sumud Flotilla demonstration in Tunis.

UN Special Rapporteur for the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Francesca Albanese, stated that the flotilla's peaceful mission to deliver aid is an act of humanity. Greta Thunberg, among others, held a press conference in Tunis to support the Global Sumud Flotilla.

European dockworkers have threatened to block European ports if the current flotilla's mission to break the siege is hindered. The aim of the Global Sumud Flotilla is to break the blockade around Gaza, imposed by Israel after Hamas' election victory and takeover of the Gaza Strip in 2007.

In 2010, a Turkish ship en route was intercepted by Israeli military, resulting in the deaths of eight crew members. In 2025, ships Handala and Madleen attempted, unsuccessfully, to deliver aid to Gaza. Madleen's effort was stopped by Haftar's forces in Egypt.

Sherif Zaki, a participant from Munich, is a triple father and has mixed feelings about the preparations, citing lack of official support in Germany. Basel Ramsis provides updates on the flotilla via Facebook and the independent Egyptian newspaper "Minassa."

Despite the controversy and challenges, the Global Sumud Flotilla continues its journey, symbolizing the unwavering commitment of people worldwide to support the people of Gaza in their struggle for freedom and human rights.

Navigation of humanitarian aid vessel intended to bypass restrictive maritime blockade in Gaza