Global Sumud Flotilla

photo credit: X post of GSF

Sumud Flotilla is a fleet of about 50 ships loaded with humanitarian aid and moving towards the sea coast of Palestine. The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) is an international, civil society-led maritime initiative, aiming to break the Israeli’s blockade of Gaza strip. Sumud is an Arabic word that means ‘resilience’. Entire initiative is managed by 3 organisations viz. Freedom Flotilla Coalition, Global Movement to Gaza and Maghreb Sumud Flotilla. GSF is said to be the largest civilian led maritime convoy consisting over 50 vessels from 44 different countries. The people who are participating are from different professions such as humanitarian activists, doctors, artists, lawyers, clergy and seafarers. The participating countries are Australia, Malaysia, Indonesia, South Africa, Spain, Greece, USA, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, France, UK, Germany, Poland among others. However, the representations are not official and are based entirely on civil society efforts.

The Flotilla is sailing since 23^rd August from Malaysia, 30^th August from Genoa (Italy), 31^st Aug from Barcelona (Spain) and 7^th Sept from Tunis (Tunisia) and Catania (Italy), 8^th Sept from Syros (Greece) among others. A fleet from India was also supposed to join from Kolkata however could not make it due to security concerns. The Flotilla is expected to reach Gaza by mid of September.

Palestinians have called for support and solidarity from the Governments all over the world to ensure security of the ships and volunteers.

Israel, however has made it clear that despite the humanitarian nature of the initiative, it will still be considered as a threat to Israeli Sovereignty and support to Hamas.

“We are independent, international, and unaffiliated with any government or political party. Our allegiance is to justice, freedom, and the sanctity of human life.”

–Global Sumud Flotilla website

FInd out more about the initiative here- Sail to Gaza – Collective Action for Gaza