GAZA, (The Palestinian Information Center) The Global Sumud Flotilla, aimed at breaking the Israeli blockade on Gaza, arrived off the coast of Tunisia on Sunday evening, ahead of its planned departure toward the besieged Palestinian enclave, despite threats from the Israeli occupation.
Satellite tracking platforms confirmed that the Flotilla ships reached Tunisian waters late Sunday, with plans to set sail for Gaza on Thursday.
The Flotilla, consisting of nearly 20 vessels, initially departed from the port of Barcelona, Spain, last Monday. However, severe weather and strong winds forced the ships to temporarily return to port on Sunday. The convoy has since resumed its mission to challenge the Israeli-imposed blockade on Gaza, which has lasted more than 18 years.
The effort is being led by a coalition of groups, including the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, the Global Gaza Movement, the Sumud Convoy, and Sumud Nusantara from Malaysia.
The Flotilla carries thousands of activists from 44 countries and is now preparing for its next leg from Tunisia on Thursday.
Participants say they are prepared for a range of possible scenarios during their maritime journey, acknowledging that Israel may attempt to block or disrupt the mission using various means.
However, activists remain resolute, stating that no threat or escalation will deter them from completing their voyage. They emphasize that the Gaza blockade is no longer solely a Palestinian issue but rather a global moral crisis that demands broad humanitarian engagement.
The Global Sumud Flotilla has strongly condemned recent threats made by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir against the participating ships and activists.
In a statement issued Friday, the Flotilla said Ben-Gvir’s remarks were “an attempt to intimidate participants and falsely label them as terrorists,” calling it a blatant violation of international law and the Geneva Conventions.
