Sumud flotilla boats to converge in international waters, next stop: Gaza

The Sumud flotilla announced on Monday that ships from the Italian port of Catania have set sail a day before to join boats departing from Tunisia and Greece. The Sumud flotilla vessels intend to meet in international waters on this last leg of the journey to break Israel's siege on Gaza, despite complications.

In a statement posted on X, the flotilla said it had reduced the number of participants on board some ships sailing from Italy, Tunisia, and Greece in anticipation of “increasingly hostile conditions.” They said recent weeks brought challenges, including two drone attacks in Tunisia, fuel shortages, and logistical delays. The flotilla added that threats from Israeli officials prompted tighter security, relocation of vessels, sea drills, and updated safety protocols.

“Volunteers have endured immense challenges and a sense of uncertainty as a result of deliberate attacks and the complexity of this popular mission,” the flotilla said.

Organizers stressed that recent strategic adjustments were made to protect participants while safeguarding the flotilla’s core message. They said the joining of fleets across the Mediterranean sends a clear message to the international community: ending the blockade and saving civilians in Gaza is an urgent necessity.

The Global Sumud Flotilla left Barcelona earlier this month with more than 300 activists and later stopped in Tunisia, where more ships joined. The mission now sails to deliver aid to Gaza, break Israel’s blockade, and highlight the humanitarian crisis.

Concerns remain high over a potential Israeli attack on the flotilla. In May, Israeli drones targeted the Conscience ship near Malta. In June, Israeli occupation forces intercepted the Madleen and h/node/26014 ships, detaining and deporting those on board.