Marseille, MINA – Around 20 boats from France departed from the southern city of Marseille on Saturday to join the “2026 Spring Mission” of the Global Sumud Flotilla, an international effort aimed at breaking Israel’s long-standing blockade on Gaza and delivering urgent humanitarian aid to the besieged enclave, according to Anadolu Agency.
After weeks of meticulous preparation at L’Estaque Port, the vessels left French waters and are now heading toward Italy, where they will link up with other participating ships from across the Mediterranean. The boats’ sails were adorned with traditional Palestinian tatreez embroidery and images of Handala, the iconic symbol of Palestinian resistance.
As the flotilla departed, residents of Marseille gathered at the port, waving Palestinian flags and bidding farewell to the crews with applause and chants expressing solidarity with the people of Gaza.
Representatives of the civil society organizations behind the initiative held a press conference at L’Estaque Port before departure.[]
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