April 26, 2026, 9:09 p.mApril 26, 2026, 9:09 p.m
Image: keystone
Dozens of ships from the “Global Sumud Flotilla” with activists from numerous countries on board have set sail from Sicily towards the Gaza Strip. After a weather-related delay, 56 ships have now set off from a port near Syracuse, the organization said. She spoke of the largest flotilla that had ever attempted to reach the Gaza Strip.
The pro-Palestinian activists want to try again to break the Israeli naval blockade of the Gaza Strip, which has been in place since 2007 and is also supported by Egypt, and to bring aid supplies to the conflict region. The declared goal of the “Global Sumud Flotilla” is also to advance the establishment of a permanent humanitarian corridor.
Previous attempts always failed
In the past, Israel has always prevented activists’ attempts to break the naval blockade off the sealed-off coastal strip. In a previous attempt, the “Global Sumud Flotilla,” which consisted primarily of private sailing and motor boats, was stormed by Israeli special forces last fall and prevented from reaching the area.
According to the organization, the ships that have now set off want to gather at sea with several other boats that have been launched from other countries and continue east. The flotilla is accompanied by a ship from the Spanish aid organization Open Arms and the “Arctic Sunrise” from the environmental association Greenpeace. This strengthens the entire mission, it was said. (sda/dpa)