Global Sumud Fleet prepares to depart from Tunisia
Activists who will join the fleet from Tunisia began gathering at 16:00 local time at the Sidi Bou Said Port in the capital, Tunis. Hundreds of Tunisians gathered to send messages of support to the fleet and Gaza.
Zeynel Abidin Özkan, an activist participating on behalf of the Ankara Solidarity Platform with Palestine, told Anadolu Agency (AA) that their involvement aims to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. “We will not be part of this genocide. We will do everything we can for the millions of people struggling with hunger in Gaza,” he said.
Part of the Largest Civil Maritime Initiative to Break Gaza Blockade
Özkan explained that the Turkish team arrived in Tunisia to join ships that departed Spain on August 31. “This global initiative is the largest civil maritime effort to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza with peace and determination. We are undergoing intense preparation and training. Our goal is to break the blockade by sea, which has been in place since 2007, and help millions of people access basic necessities,” he said.
The ships that left Spain arrived in Tunisia two days ago, and the crews have now joined forces. “As of today, we plan to set sail. Israel has announced it will intervene in this peaceful mission, but neither the fleet organizers nor the participants are backing down,” Özkan added.
He also noted recent attacks on ships waiting at Tunisian ports: “Our two main vessels and one large ship were targeted with fireballs, and attempts were made to start fires. Despite this, the fleet’s resolve has not been shaken. Around 1,000 activists from 44 countries are aboard these ships. Ensuring their safety is critical for both participant countries and the United Nations, which has stated its support for the humanitarian aid carried by the fleet. However, no concrete measures have been taken yet. We call on the international community to act to ensure the safety of the ships as they head into the Mediterranean and to allow the fleet to proceed.”
Tunisia’s Role in International Solidarity
Tunisian MP Mohammed Ali, a fleet participant, said the decision to sail is “principled and moral” and is supported by the Tunisian Parliament. “The MPs support breaking the blockade in Gaza. Tunisia and people abroad stand with the Palestinian people. Representatives from 47 countries, nearly a third of the world, are here in Sidi Bou Said, which is a source of pride for Tunisia,” Ali said.
Over 40 Countries Participating in the Fleet
The Global Sumud Fleet includes organizations such as the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, Global Gaza Movement, Maghreb Sumud Convoy, and Malaysia-based Sumud Nusantara. Hundreds of activists from over 40 countries are sailing to Gaza on the fleet’s vessels.
In the past, Israel intervened in ships attempting to reach Gaza, seizing vessels and deporting activists. The Global Sumud Fleet is now the largest flotilla to set out for Gaza.
The term Sumud, meaning “steadfastness” or “unwavering determination” in Arabic, has become a symbol of Palestinian resilience and nonviolent resistance since the Six-Day War in 1967. It represents remaining on Palestinian lands, preserving identity and culture, resisting occupation, and building alternative institutions through peaceful civil action. The concept is often illustrated in Palestine through olive trees and rural pregnant women.
