A massive civilian flotilla, bringing together organizers and activists from dozens of countries, is preparing to set sail for the Gaza Strip in a historic attempt to break the Israeli blockade and deliver humanitarian aid. The mission, dubbed the “Global Sumud Flotilla,” aims to establish a sea route to Gaza and confront what organizers describe as Israel’s genocidal campaign against the Palestinian people. The convoy, consisting of dozens of ships, is set to depart from Spanish and Tunisian ports at the end of August.
This large-scale effort is a direct response to the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where the entire population is reportedly on the verge of famine due to the Israeli siege. The flotilla is a coordinated effort by several initiatives, including the Maghreb Sumud Flotilla and the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which have been active in previous attempts to deliver aid. Over 6,000 activists have already registered to participate, and the organizers hope this mission will succeed where others have failed.
The announcement of the flotilla comes on the heels of Israel’s interception of a previous aid ship, the Handala, which was stopped on its way to Gaza. This new, larger initiative represents a renewed effort to pressure international governments to act and to challenge the legality of Israel’s naval blockade. Organizers and participants believe that by sending thousands of activists and dozens of ships, they can create enough international attention and diplomatic pressure to force a change in policy and provide vital relief to the people of Gaza.
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Massive civilian flotilla set to sail for Gaza late August to break Israeli siege – Anadolu Ajansı
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