Gaza, MINA – Climate activist Greta Thunberg and Mandla Mandela, grandson of Nelson Mandela, are among participants from over 44 countries preparing for what organizers call the “largest civilian maritime mission to Gaza” in an effort to break the Israeli blockade.
The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) announced that dozens of civilian boats will set sail for Gaza, with the main launch from Spain on August 31, followed by departures from Tunisia and other countries on September 4. Delegations from Malaysia, the United States, Brazil, Italy, Morocco, Sri Lanka, the Netherlands, and Colombia will take part.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will serve as the official patron of the Southeast Asian coalition Sumud Nusantara and will flag off the regional convoy on August 23.
Previous attempts this year to deliver humanitarian aid by sea were intercepted by Israeli forces, with activists detained and deported. The GSF says its mission is a “legal, peaceful civilian initiative grounded in international law,” warning that any Israeli interception would be “an act of piracy.”
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According to GSF organizer Seif Abu Keshk, more than 6,000 activists have registered to join the mission, with participants set to undergo training and take part in solidarity events before departure.
The campaign comes amid a worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where over 200 Palestinians — including 101 children — have died from malnutrition due to the Israeli blockade. Since October 7, 2023, Israeli bombardments have killed over 61,000 Palestinians, wounded more than 153,000, and left over 14,000 missing.
Israel faces charges of genocide at the International Court of Justice, while several Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, are wanted by the International Criminal Court. []
Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)
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