Three More Boats from the Global Sumud Fleet Depart Tunisia for Gaza

Kokcha News Agency – The Global Sumud Fleet, a coalition of boats aiming to break the Israeli blockade and deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, continues to grow as three more boats departed from Tunisia’s Sidi Bou Said port today. This follows the departure of seven boats yesterday from Bizerte port in northern Tunisia, including the Spanish boat “Alma,” which was previously targeted by a drone attack, and the Swedish boat “Family,” carrying climate activist Greta Thunberg.

According to a statement on the Maghreb Sumud Convoy’s social media account, the fleet will continue to set sail for Gaza throughout the day. Yesterday, 11 boats departed Tunisia, and with today’s departures, a total of 25 boats have left Tunisia for Gaza since September 13.

The Global Sumud Fleet began its journey on August 31 from Spain, with 22 boats, and later joined by 23 boats from Tunisia. However, three Spanish boats were removed from the convoy list due to technical issues and will remain in Tunisia.

The boats departing from the capital, Tunis, and Bizerte port will meet in Tunisian waters before continuing their journey to Gaza. The fleet, which includes nearly 1,000 activists from around 50 countries, including Turks, will also join boats from Italy and Greece in the Mediterranean.

The Global Sumud Fleet, which includes the “Freedom Flotilla Coalition,” “Global Gaza Movement,” “Maghreb Sumud Convoy,” and the Malaysia-based “Sumud Nusantara” organization, is the largest flotilla to attempt to reach Gaza.

In the past, Israel has intercepted individual boats attempting to reach Gaza, seizing the vessels and deporting activists. The Sumud concept, which means “steadfastness” or “unwavering determination” in Arabic, has become a symbol of Palestinian resistance and resilience since the 1967 Six-Day War. It represents the Palestinian people’s commitment to remain on their land, preserve their identity and culture, and build alternative institutions through non-violent civil disobedience.