Explainer: What is the Global Sumud Flotilla and why is it sailing to Gaza?
The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), sometimes referred to as the Global Freedom Flotilla, is an international maritime initiative launched in mid-2025. The term “Sumud” is Arabic for “steadfastness” or “resilience.”
The Global Sumud Flotilla, an unprecedented civilian-led maritime convoy, is attempting to challenge Israel's naval blockade of Gaza.
Here's what to know about the initiative, its origins, and its mission.
Who is the Global Sumud Flotilla?
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The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), sometimes referred to as the Global Freedom Flotilla, is an international maritime initiative launched in mid-2025. The term "Sumud" is Arabic for "steadfastness" or "resilience."
Organizers: The flotilla was formed by a coalition of activist and humanitarian groups, including the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, the Global Movement to Gaza, the Maghreb Sumud Flotilla, and Sumud Nusantara. The Italian NGO Emergency also joined with a medical aid vessel.
Scale: Organizers call it the largest civilian maritime convoy in history, with over 40 vessels and more than 500 participants from at least 44 countries. More than 15,000 people registered an interest.
Participants: The group includes activists, doctors, and artists. Notable figures on board include climate activist Greta Thunberg, French actress Adèle Haenel, and Zwelivelile Mandela, the grandson of Nelson Mandela.
Vessels: The flotilla consists mainly of small and mid-sized boats, chosen for their agility and ability to evade bureaucratic restrictions. They set sail from ports across the Mediterranean, including Genoa, Barcelona, Tunis, and Catania.
Why was the flotilla created?
The GSF was launched in response to Israel's blockade of Gaza, in place since Hamas took control in 2007. Organizers describe the blockade as unlawful and a form of "collective punishment" under international law.
To challenge the blockade: Israel has intercepted or raided earlier flotillas, most famously in 2010 when a raid on the Mavi Marmara killed 10 activists. Organizers say their mission is a direct challenge to the legality and morality of the siege.
Failure of land aid routes: Flotilla leaders argue that land crossings into Gaza are either shut or tightly controlled, leading to aid being delayed or blocked. They view a sea corridor as the only reliable alternative.
Escalating humanitarian crisis: The effort was launched during the 2025 Gaza war, when Israel imposed a "total blockade" on supplies. Organizers say Gaza's population faces catastrophic shortages of food, medicine, and fuel.
What is the mission?
The flotilla describes itself as a peaceful, nonviolent initiative with humanitarian, political, and symbolic aims.
Deliver aid: Several boats are carrying supplies, including 45 tons of medical and food aid on the Italian convoy.
Build a maritime corridor: Beyond one-time deliveries, the GSF says it aims to establish a permanent, civilian-led sea route for aid and access.
Highlight Palestinian rights: Organizers stress Palestinians' right to free access to their territorial waters.
Raise global awareness: By mobilizing hundreds of participants from around the world, the flotilla seeks to draw international attention to Gaza's isolation.
Seek protection: The organizers have appealed for international guarantees of safe passage, calling their mission "humanitarian, lawful, and unstoppable."
