Global Sumud Flotilla, a multinational maritime fleet tasked with breaking Israeli blockade in Gaza, embarked on a mission from Tunisia amid rising tensions and recent attacks on vessels. Flotilla departs from three Tunisian ports from September 14th to 15th, 2025, bringing activists and humanitarian aid from over 40 countries, according to Bizerte, Gammarth and Sidi Bou.
The fleet consists of around 16 vessels, including prominent participants such as climate activist Greta Samberg, Irish actor Liam Cunningham, former Mayor of Barcelona, Ada Kollow, and elected officials from Italy and other European countries. The ship is loaded with critical food and medical aid aimed at alleviating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, facing nearly 18 years of lockdown due to widespread shortages and starvation.
Earlier this month, two fleet vessels anchored in Tunisian waters were reportedly targeted by an agitated attack suspected of being fired by a drone. Tunisia’s Home Ministry confirmed the “prepared attack” and confirmed the start of an investigation, but the initial statement differed in relation to the cause of the fire on the ship. No injuries were reported during these incidents, but they delayed the departure of the fleet.
Despite these obstacles, global SUMUD Flotilla organizers and participants remain determined to challenge the lockdown peacefully. Their stated purpose is to establish a humanitarian corridor in Gaza, where millions of people are facing a serious shortage of basic necessities due to continuous siege and repeated Israeli force attacks.
Israeli officials have accused the fleet of a threat to national security, and Israeli national security ministers have argued that members of the fleet should face detention, while also asserting ties between the fleet and groups like Hamas. These charges are firmly rejected by the fleet organizers as threats and misrepresentations, highlighting the legal and peaceful humanitarian mission under international law.
The fleet continues its journey and aims to link additional ships from Italy, Spain and Greece to form a fleet based on the largest coalition ever attempted. Their passage is closely monitored by international observers and human rights groups. They call for safe passage and protection of humanitarian activists.
The global voyage of Sumud Flotilla symbolizes global solidarity with the Gaza people and an urgent call to lift the maritime blockade, which has been severely restricted for decades of access to essential aid. Participants confirm that civil society’s actions are important if the government entity does not support human rights and humanitarian principles.