Global Sumud Flotilla embarks from Sicily, aiming to disrupt Gaza blockade
The Sumud Global Flotilla, made up of more than 60 Italian and Spanish ships, sets sail from Sicily to challenge the Israeli blockade of Gaza, with the aim of raising awareness and mobilizing activism.
The Global Sumud flotilla is expected to set sail from Sicily for Gaza on Sunday, following a contingent of Italian activists joining a Spanish armada.
More than 60 Italian and Spanish ships are departing from Augusta to attempt to implement Israel’s blockade of the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip, according to a GSF press release, in hopes of raising awareness and mobilizing more activists.
“Faced with the repeated non-compliance with international justice measures, the so-called ceasefire, the continued occupation of the Palestinian territories, the aggression in southern Lebanon, the continued closure of land routes and the persistent denial of humanitarian access to Gaza, the simple denunciation of the State of Israel and its allies is no longer enough,” GSF said on Sunday.
“It is necessary to act in an integrated and differentiated manner, building an international front capable of targeting the system of complicity that maintains the blockade. »
The 39 ships that left Spain on April 15 were joined on Thursday by 25 Italian ships, which organizers said made the flotilla of pro-Palestinian activists the largest of its kind. In addition to the maritime action, a land convoy is expected to approach Gaza from North Africa. GSF said on Instagram on Friday that 1,000 people were expected to join the North African land convoy Sumud for a journey expected to last 20 to 27 days.
Former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau, who participated in the Sumud 2025 global flotilla, speaks to the press as a humanitarian flotilla prepares to depart from Barcelona, Spain, for Gaza, April 12, 2026. (credit: REUTERS/Richard Matousek)
“Whether you come by bus, car, motorbike or on foot, this is your chance to join the global uprising for Gaza,” GSF said on Instagram.
Allegation of sexual misconduct
The departure from Barcelona had been delayed due to bad weather on April 12, with the GSF rocked by allegations that a member of the steering committee used his position to have sex with volunteers. GSF has denied any ethical issues and the accuser has deleted his initial claims.
On Monday, GSF claimed to have disrupted the transit of the cargo ship MSC Maya, saying it was part of a supply chain facilitated by the Israeli military.
“This mission sends a clear message,” GSF said in a press release at the time. “If governments do not act to end the machinery of violence, civilians will step in. Corporations will be identified and challenged, and public attention will be directed to what is too often ignored.”
The Mediterranean Shipping Company did not respond to a question from The Jerusalem Post, but the Panama-flagged ship had arrived in Ashdod on Saturday.
