Johannesburg: The Global Sumud aid flotilla plans to set sail again for war-torn Gaza from Barcelona on March 29 with broader international participation, according to an announcement on Thursday.
According to Anadolu Agency, Global Sumud activist Sumeyra Akdeniz Ordu revealed during a livestreamed news conference in Johannesburg, South Africa, that the flotilla will commence its journey from Barcelona, followed by stops in Tunisia, Italy, and other Mediterranean ports. This mission will see the involvement of thousands of participants, including over a thousand medical professionals, eco-builders, and war crimes investigators, distinguishing it from previous efforts.
Ordu emphasized that this initiative serves as "an alternative to the Trump plan," aiming to include Palestinians in deciding the reconstruction of their homeland.
In addition to the sea mission, another activist announced preparations for a new humanitarian land convoy. This land movement, referred to as the "new Sumud land convoy," will provide medical aid, food, and other necessities to the people of Gaza. The convoy will travel from North Africa through Egypt to reach the Rafah border crossing. A second land convoy is planned to depart from South Asia, with details to be disclosed soon.
Despite the Rafah crossing being ostensibly open, it remains a site of significant hardship due to Israeli restrictions, complicating entry and exit for the local population. The activist highlighted the responsibility of global citizens to support these humanitarian corridors.
The call for support was extended to the Turkish people, with activists expressing confidence in their solidarity with Palestine and urging mobilization in support of the mission.
In January, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated that his government would directly participate in the upcoming Sumud mission to Gaza. The first Global Sumud sea mission began in mid-2025, but faced obstacles in October when Israeli naval forces intercepted and seized over 40 boats, detaining more than 450 activists who reported mistreatment during their detention.
Israel's blockade on Gaza, home to nearly 2.4 million people, has persisted for nearly 18 years, intensifying in March with closed border crossings and restricted aid deliveries, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties and extensive infrastructure damage since the hostilities began on October 8, 2023.