When Governments and Leaders Fail in Their Duties, Civilians Rise
–Atoofa Nasiha
The Global Sumud Flotilla is the largest coordinated civilian maritime mission in history, launched in mid-2025 to challenge the Israeli naval blockade of Gaza. With over 50 vessels carrying humanitarian aid and activists from more than 44 countries, it is both a humanitarian effort and a symbolic act of solidarity. This mission delivers critical supplies and calls international attention to the urgency of lifting the blockade. (Al Jazeera)
Meaning of “Sumud”
“Sumud” translates as steadfastness, a concept that reflects resilience in the face of oppression. It represents Palestinian dignity and resistance against decades of blockade and occupation. Earlier efforts, such as the Madleen and Handala flotillas, carried both aid and symbolic strength, breaking barriers and inspiring global solidarity. The Global Sumud Flotilla continues this impact on an unprecedented scale with greater coordination. (Al Jazeera; Wikipedia)
The Mission of the Flotilla
The flotilla seeks to deliver aid including food, medicine, and essential supplies to Gaza. It also asserts the right to humanitarian access and directly challenges the legitimacy of the blockade. On board are activists, medical professionals, artists, clergy, lawyers, and leaders who are committed to nonviolent action. Their shared goal is to ensure that the suffering of Gaza does not remain in silence. (Common Dreams; Reuters)
Why It Matters Now
Gaza is facing a deepening humanitarian crisis, with more than 63,000 lives lost and widespread famine among children. International law guarantees the right to humanitarian access even during conflict, yet Gazans remain cut off. Without missions like this, the suffering continues away from the world’s attention, leaving injustice unchallenged. (Reuters; Common Dreams)
Legality of the Mission
The Flotilla sails in international waters where no state has the authority to interdict or seize civilian humanitarian vessels. United Nations experts have confirmed that the mission fully complies with international law.
Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories, described the participants as “moral warriors” and affirmed that their actions are protected under legal frameworks. She further emphasised that the mission “fully complies with international law” (AP News; Al Jazeera; UN Special Rapporteur).
Climate Action Network International also expressed strong support. Its Executive Director, Tasneem Essop, praised the activists on board as “brave” and issued a direct appeal to world governments:
“States are obligated by international law to ensure safe passage for humanitarian vessels. To take no action if Israel repeats its aggression is to be complicit in the starvation, suffering, and genocide of the Palestinian people.” (Climate Action Network International)
Legal oversight is another defining feature of this mission. Several Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and independent legal observers joined the flotilla to monitor events at sea. Their task is to document any violations of international law and ensure accountability. MEP Lynn Boylan noted:
“Israel’s illegal blockade has caused famine in Gaza. We are here to uphold international law when states fail to do so.” (The Left in the European Parliament)
Global Solidarity
The flotilla represents a historic act of unity, drawing support from civic groups, labour unions, and local communities across the globe. Fleets have departed from Barcelona, Genoa, Sicily, and Tunisia, with solidarity demonstrations taking place in ports such as Ferrol. The World Federation of Trade Unions, representing over 110 million members in 134 countries, strongly endorsed the mission, emphasising its legality and humanity. On the eve of departure, nearly 50,000 people gathered in support, signalling that Gaza is not forgotten. (Cadena Ser; El País; Reuters; WFTU)
Send-offs and Who Flagged Off
The Flotilla was seen off by a broad coalition of civil society groups, trade unions and local supporters at multiple ports. Supporters gathered in Barcelona where activists aboard and on shore sounded horns and chanted slogans expressing solidarity with Gaza. A large solidarity demonstration took place in Ferrol and other cities in Spain, alongside rallies at departure points across Europe. The World Federation of Trade Unions publicly endorsed the mission and organised labour delegations, while regional organisers in Southeast Asia coordinated the Sumud Nusantara convoy; Malaysian groups officially flagged off regional convoys and public send‑offs took place in cities such as Kuala Lumpur and Kota Bharu.
These send-offs were civilian-led and featured a mix of public figures, local leaders and grassroots organisers who stressed the humanitarian and legal nature of the mission. The visible public support underscored the flotilla’s dual purpose: immediate humanitarian relief and a global signal of solidarity with those suffering in Gaza.
Participants and Their Voices
The flotilla brings together well-known figures and grassroots activists alike. Greta Thunberg, Ada Colau, Thiago Ávila, Yasemin Acar, Marina Mortágua, Susan Sarandon, Liam Cunningham, Zwelivelile Mandela, Abby Martin, and Saif Abukeshek are among the notable participants. The steering committee includes Melanie Schweizer, Karen Moynihan, Maria Elena Delia, Muhammad Nadir al-Nuri, and Torkia Chaibi.
Ada Colau, sailing alongside Greta Thunberg, described the mission as a civil reminder of what governments ought to facilitate, noting the readiness of the team despite many having little sailing experience. Yasemin Acar reported surveillance over the ships, including drones, and explained how participants conducted interception drills while reaffirming their determination (Huffington Post – Spanish).
Greta Thunberg said, “A mission like this should not have to exist. It is the responsibility of countries, of our governments and elected officials to act to try to uphold international law, to prevent war crimes, to prevent genocide. That is their legal duty to do. And they are failing to do so.” (South China Morning Post)
Nkosi Zwelivelile “Mandla” Mandela, grandson of Nelson Mandela, will be one of ten South Africans sailing with the Sumud Flotilla, which he says is responding to the threat posed by “apartheid Israel and Netanyahu and his regime.”
Mission in Transit
The Flotilla faced practical challenges early in its voyage. The initial convoy left Barcelona at the end of August but was forced to turn back after encountering severe Mediterranean storms. Organisers met, prioritised safety, and resumed departure from Barcelona on the evening of 1 September once conditions improved. Several vessels made a technical stop in Menorca to complete repairs and safety checks before continuing south. These checks included maintenance, security and cyber security drills, and rehearsals for interception scenarios. The technical pause allowed additional boats to join while the fleet reconfigured its sailing plan.
Meanwhile, parallel convoys departed from other regions. The Sumud Nusantara convoy from Malaysia set out in late August, embarking on its regional leg on 23 August before linking with the Mediterranean mission. A secondary wave of vessels was scheduled to depart from Tunisia and Sicily in early September to converge with the main convoy. Organisers have stated that the flotilla aims to reach Gaza in the weeks after departure, with an indicative arrival window in mid-September, though exact timing depends on weather, port schedules and maritime routing.
The delays have not dampened resolve. The pause in Menorca became a site of coordination, training and solidarity. Organisers emphasised that safety and legal compliance guide every decision, and that the mission will proceed only when conditions are secure for crew and cargo.
Upholding International Law at Sea
The mission is historic for both its scale and its symbolism. By sailing in international waters, the Global Sumud Flotilla asserts its lawful right of passage under UNCLOS Articles 87 and 90, which guarantee freedom of the seas and the right of navigation. Any attempt to intercept, attack, or abduct those on board would be a violation of international law and an unlawful act of aggression. Its participants embody unity across political, professional, and cultural lines. Climate activists, parliamentarians, medical professionals, trade unions, and clergy stand together to challenge injustice. Building upon earlier flotillas like Handala and Madleen, the Global Sumud Flotilla represents a civilian movement of unprecedented size. (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, 1982, People’s Dispatch; Reuters)
Countries on Board
Participants on the Global Sumud Flotilla come from six continents and over 44 countries, demonstrating true global solidarity:
Participants represent six continents and more than 44 countries, including Australia, Brazil, South Africa, Spain, Italy, France, Greece, Tunisia, and Malaysia (leading the Sumud Nusantara convoy from Asia). Gaza really united 44 countries. This diversity reflects a rare example of Global North and South solidarity, uniting voices across geography and culture. (Al Jazeera; Wikipedia; Cadena Ser)
The Global Sumud Flotilla is not only a mission to deliver aid. It is a lifeline of hope, a moral and legal stand for justice, and a symbol of humanity refusing to stay silent. It carries the strength of Sumud, the steadfastness of those who will not bow to oppression. This mission reminds the world that Gaza is not forgotten, that its people are not alone, and that ordinary citizens across the globe can come together to demand justice and peace. It is a call to conscience, urging us all to stand with the oppressed and to act when governments fail.
Let the Flotilla sail without any harm.
Let the sailors set their footprints on the land of Gaza.
Let no weapons fire, no blood spill, no slogans scream.
Let the empty stomachs be filled.
Let the sailors feed the Gazans with their own hands.
Let humanity overpower violence.
Let the stoned hearts soften with empathy.
Let generosity open the hearts of the greedy.
Let the world remember – silence is betrayal, and action is duty.
Let every heart that reads this become a voice for the voiceless.
#HandsOffGlobalSumudFlotilla
#AllEyesOnFlotilla
