From Sicily to Gaza: The global Sumud fleet vows to resist the siege

After assembling at a port on the island of Sicily, Italy, the flotilla began its voyage toward the besieged Palestinian enclave. Al Mayadeen reported that the majority of these ships have now left the Italian harbor and are en route to Gaza.

According to the Italian news agency ANSA, Maria Elena Dalia, spokesperson for the Sumud Global Flotilla, which aims to break Israel’s blockade and deliver aid to Gaza, announced on Friday that the mission is underway after a group of 18 Italians, accompanied by 24 boats arriving from Tunisia, met the flotilla off the coast of Sicily.

“We are moving forward this time without stopping,” Dalia said. “We are heading now to Greece, where six more ships will join us. We will travel together, and you can follow our course through the Global online tracker.” She added: “Our eyes are on Gaza, and we hope to complete the journey without obstacles.”

Who’s on Board?

The flotilla carries notable political and human rights figures. The International Committee to Break the Siege of Gaza said in a statement on X (formerly Twitter) that 26 Greek activists and 20 international supporters are currently on board, sailing to join the wider convoy destined for Gaza. The Committee also confirmed that two additional vessels will soon be registered on the international tracking system.

Timeline and mission goals

According to plans, the flotilla is advancing at a pace of 120 miles (about 194 km) every 24 hours. It was initially expected to reach Gaza by mid-September, but delays due to technical and weather-related issues pushed the schedule back. The journey, originally estimated to take 7–8 days, is now expected to last at least 10 days.

The ships, crewed by activists from various nationalities, are carrying humanitarian aid along with a message of peace and solidarity for the people of Gaza, who continue to suffer from devastating bombardments and a prolonged blockade.

The Sumud International Flotilla is part of a broader initiative to draw global attention to Gaza’s humanitarian crisis and to call for the establishment of safe humanitarian corridors. The Arabic term Sumud means “resistance,” chosen as a symbolic expression of steadfastness in the face of siege. This effort is backed by activists, solidarity movements, and human rights organizations from multiple countries.

Threats and attacks

Earlier reports revealed that one of the flotilla’s boats had come under drone attack. Wael Nawar, a flotilla member, stated that the assault was carried out by an Israeli drone targeting the fleet’s largest vessel, sailing under the Portuguese flag. He confirmed that no crew or passengers were harmed.

Despite the attack and escalating threats, organizers insist that the mission will continue, describing it as a historic act of resistance against an enduring blockade.

Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories, confirmed reports that the flotilla’s main boat had been targeted and said she is investigating the incident. She also warned that two other vessels traveling from Tunisia are in urgent need of protection.