AT A TRANQUIL harbor in Tunis, Tunisia, a private boat typically used for family excursions now has a far greater mission: to break the Zionist Israeli occupation’s sea blockade of Gaza. Its owner, Hussamuddin bin Taher, decided to donate his valuable asset to join the Global Sumud Flotilla 2025.
“Gaza is worth more than anything,” he said, a brief but profound statement when asked about the dramatic decision. The quote quickly became a headline in local Tunisian media and went viral on social media, praised as a symbol of courage and the solidarity of ordinary people with Palestine.
Hussamuddin’s boat is more than just a vessel; it represents the determination and love of the Tunisian people. It is also a symbol of support from the Maghreb region of the Arab world for the struggle in Gaza. From the Maghreb to the Levant, this story has united a collective emotion, affirming that Palestine is not merely a regional issue but a matter of global conscience.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, which set sail from Barcelona, is now reinforced by this donated boat. Along with dozens of other vessels from 44 countries, the convoy is carrying humanitarian aid, including food, medicine, and clean water. Their objective is clear: to breach the illegal blockade imposed by the Zionist Israeli occupation for nearly two decades and bring hope to the more than two million trapped residents of Gaza.
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For Hussamuddin, giving up his private boat is a simple act compared to the daily suffering of the people in Gaza. To him, the material value of the boat is incomparable to the value of freedom and human life.
The decision was also warmly welcomed by the Tunisian public. At the Sidi Bou Said harbor, hundreds of residents waved Palestinian flags and sang songs of resistance as the convoy began to gather. Solidarity demonstrations were held, showing that support for Gaza comes not only from governments or large organizations but also from the hearts of ordinary citizens.
“When a citizen is willing to surrender his boat for Gaza, the world must realize that this is no longer a mere political issue. This is a humanitarian problem,” said a Tunisian activist present at the port.
Since 2008, flotilla efforts have been part of a long history of international civil resistance against the Gaza blockade. On five separate occasions, similar convoys successfully broke the siege and delivered direct aid to the Palestinian people. However, many others have ended in ambushes, intimidation, and even tragedy, such as the 2010 attack on the Mavi Marmara ship, which killed ten humanitarian activists.
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The Global Sumud Flotilla 2025 is being called the largest mission of its kind in history, with 65 ships: 24 departing from Spain, 21 from Tunisia, 18 from Italy, and 2 from Greece. Additional boats, including Hussamuddin’s donation, are still being prepared.
Among the dozens of flags flying proudly, the Indonesian flag can also be seen. The Indonesian delegation numbers 67 people, with four from the Aqsa Working Group (AWG), and 33 of them are sailing directly. Five Indonesian ships are even named after national heroes: Soekarno, Sultan Hasanuddin, Pangeran Diponegoro, Pati Unus, and Malahayati.
Hussamuddin’s donated boat is just one small part of the armada, but its story reveals something much larger. It sends a message that solidarity can emerge from an individual, not just a nation. It is proof that when a human heart is moved, geographical, economic, and political boundaries can be transcended.
“When the world stands still, the people move,” a headline in a Tunisian newspaper read.
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As the sails are unfurled and the ships move out of the harbor, prayers are also setting sail. Prayers for the aid to reach Gaza. Prayers for the blockade to finally fall. Prayers for the Palestinian people to eventually find their freedom.
Hussamuddin bin Taher may be just one name among millions who care. But his action has lit a torch that can illuminate the path of this flotilla all the way to the shores of Gaza.
Because in the end, beyond the waves and storms, this message continues to echo: “Gaza is worth more than anything.” []
Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)
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