An international activist flotilla aiming to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza has departed from Tunisia, following a stopover marked by weather delays and suspected drone attacks. The Global Sumud Flotilla, which includes notable figures such as Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau, comprises around 20 boats carrying a symbolic amount of humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza.
The flotilla had planned to stop in Tunis to allow other boats to join, but their stay was disrupted by suspected drone attacks on Monday and Tuesday nights. The drones dropped projectiles that caused fires on the boats, prompting the flotilla to be relocated to Bizerte on Thursday. However, many of the Tunisian boats were unable to continue their journey due to technical difficulties and an inability to reach Bizerte from the port town of Sidi Bou Said near Tunis.
Despite these challenges, the activists remain undeterred. Rana Hamida, a Palestinian commanding one of the vessels, stated that the attacks did not intimidate her. “We’re not scared,” she said. “The purpose of attacks like this is to deflate the energy of the people and to distract them, but it actually brings people together.” The flotilla’s determination to deliver aid to Gaza underscores the ongoing humanitarian concerns in the region.
The Israeli blockade of Gaza, imposed in 2007, has severely restricted the flow of goods and people into the territory, exacerbating poverty and limiting access to basic necessities. The Global Sumud Flotilla’s attempt to break the blockade is the latest in a series of efforts by activists to draw attention to the situation in Gaza and to provide support to the Palestinian community.
As the flotilla sets sail for Gaza, it is likely to face further challenges and potential confrontations with Israeli authorities. The international community will be watching the situation closely, with many calling for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and an end to the blockade. The fate of the Global Sumud Flotilla and its crew will be a significant test of the international community’s commitment to protecting humanitarian aid and upholding human rights.