The so-called Global Sumud Flotilla, including Greta Thunberg and 40 Italian activists, sets sail again despite Israel’s firm warning it will block Hamas-linked efforts to violate the lawful Gaza naval blockade.
The Global Sumud Flotilla—an international convoy of activists attempting to break Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza—resumed its voyage Sunday after undergoing repairs in Greek waters, Reuters reported.
Organizers boasted that Greek vessels had joined the effort, bringing the total number of civilian boats to 47, including participants from dozens of countries. Among them are approximately 40 Italians and Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg.
Declaring their support for Gaza on social media, organizers wrote: “Brothers and sisters in Gaza, we sail with hope in our hearts. Your resilience is our compass, your struggle is our struggle. Together, we will break the silence of the siege.”
On Saturday, ten vessels departed Sicily to join the flotilla, despite widespread concern over its ties to Hamas.
Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani proposed that the flotilla redirect its cargo to Cyprus, where the Roman Catholic Church could oversee safe humanitarian delivery to Gaza. The activists rejected the offer outright.
The flotilla also claims it has survived at least two drone attacks while docked off Tunisia and Crete, though these allegations remain unverified. Italy and Spain have since deployed naval ships nearby, prepared for possible rescue missions.
Israel has made its stance unmistakably clear. The Foreign Ministry branded the effort the “Hamas Flotilla,” warning:
“This flotilla, organized by Hamas, is intended to serve Hamas. Israel will not allow vessels to enter an active combat zone and will not allow the breach of a lawful naval blockade.”
Jerusalem emphasized that aid can be delivered safely and legally via Ashkelon Marina, from where it will be transferred to Gaza under Israeli coordination. “If the flotilla participants’ genuine wish is to deliver humanitarian aid rather than serve Hamas, Israel calls on the vessels to dock at Ashkelon,” the ministry stated.
Israel has repeatedly highlighted that the naval blockade is a legitimate security measure—upheld under international law—designed to prevent weapons smuggling to Hamas and safeguard Israeli civilians from terrorist attacks.
