Dozens of vessels carrying activists departed from Turkey on Thursday as part of a renewed attempt by the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) to challenge Israel’s blockade on Gaza following an earlier interception by Israeli forces last month.
According to the activist group’s ship tracker, vessels associated with the flotilla were seen sailing south from the Turkish port city of Marmaris toward the eastern Mediterranean. Online maritime tracking platforms also confirmed that several ships had left port, while videos shared by GSF on social media showed multiple vessels already at sea.
The latest mission comes weeks after around 20 flotilla vessels were intercepted by the Israeli Navy near Crete during a previous attempt to reach Gaza in April.
More Than 500 Activists Join Gaza-Bound Flotilla
GSF Steering Committee member Saif Abu Keshek said during a press conference on Wednesday that the latest convoy includes 54 vessels and more than 500 activists.
We sail one day before the Nakba, not only to commemorate the anniversary of the Nakba, but to act on it.”
Stated Abu Keshek before the flotilla departed.
Nakba Day, observed annually on May 15, commemorates the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war.
Abu Keshek had previously been detained by Israeli authorities after the April flotilla interception before later being deported. GSF through a post on social media said that their goal is to bring an end to the longest-running siege in modern history.
Notably, Thiago Avila, who was also detained during the earlier mission, did not appear to be part of the new voyage. Several vessels involved in the April mission also did not appear to rejoin the current flotilla. Environmental group Greenpeace’s vessel Arctic Sunrise was reportedly near Crete according to online tracking data.
Israel Calls Gaza Flotilla a Propaganda Mission
Israeli officials have repeatedly criticized the flotilla campaign, describing it as a political and media-focused operation rather than a humanitarian mission.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry previously accused the flotilla organizers of staging a “propaganda stunt” and alleged that the ships carried little or no humanitarian aid.
Israel maintains its naval blockade around Gaza, saying the restrictions are necessary to prevent the smuggling of weapons and materials used by militant groups operating in the territory.
Global Sumud Flotilla Sails as Regional Tensions Escalate
The departure from Turkey adds another layer to the complex regional dynamics. While the GSF remains focused on the Mediterranean, other areas of the continent are facing separate escalations. For instance, diplomatic relations between Sudan and Ethiopia have recently deteriorated, with Sudan recalling its ambassador amid accusations involving drone attacks and support for armed groups.
As the Global Sumud Flotilla continues its southward trek, international observers are closely monitoring for potential naval encounters, similar to the interceptions that halted the fleet’s progress just weeks ago.
According to GSF organizers, 54 vessels departed from Marmaris, Turkey, on Thursday.
The Nakba refers to the displacement of Palestinians during the 1948 war; activists timed their departure to coincide with its anniversary to draw attention to the current blockade.
The Israeli Navy intercepted 20 vessels in international waters, resulting in the deportation of over 170 activists.
