Activists Prepare for Largest-Ever 'Coordinated Humanitarian Intervention' as Aid Flotilla Sails to Gaza in March
In a bold move, activists have announced plans for the largest-ever "coordinated humanitarian intervention" as a massive aid flotilla sets sail for Gaza in March. The Global Sumud Flotilla, which includes up to 1,000 activists, including medics and war crimes investigators, will depart with over 100 boats, determined to break Israel's illegal siege on the enclave.
The flotilla, which has been sparked by the devastating consequences of Israel's genocidal war against Palestinians in Gaza, aims to raise awareness about the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region. According to activists, international law is on their side, and their journey will bring attention to the plight of Palestinians in Gaza.
Mandela Mandela, grandson of late South African leader Nelson Mandela, who was among activists arrested by Israel during last year's voyage, described the undertaking as a cause for justice and dignity for all. The flotilla will be supported by a land convoy across nearby Arab countries, expected to attract thousands more backers.
Last October, Israel's military intercepted some 40 boats from the Global Sumud Flotilla as they carried aid, arresting over 450 participants, including Mandela, Swedish campaigner Greta Thunberg, and European Parliament member Rima Hassan. Several detainees alleged physical and psychological abuse while in Israeli custody.
The flotilla organizers accused Israel's seizure of their vessels of violating international maritime law, claiming that the blockade has led to famine-like conditions in Gaza. While some aid has reached the enclave since a "ceasefire" started in October, it falls far short of what is needed to meet urgent needs, according to the UN.
Activists anticipate that Israel will again try to stop their passage but remain undeterred. Susan Abdallah, one of the activists, stated, "We may not have reached Gaza physically, but we have reached...the people in Gaza. They know that we care, that we will not stop at anything until we actually break the siege."
The flotilla's determination to challenge Israel's actions and bring attention to the plight of Palestinians in Gaza is a testament to the power of peaceful resistance and the resolve of those fighting for justice and human rights.
In a bold move, activists have announced plans for the largest-ever "coordinated humanitarian intervention" as a massive aid flotilla sets sail for Gaza in March. The Global Sumud Flotilla, which includes up to 1,000 activists, including medics and war crimes investigators, will depart with over 100 boats, determined to break Israel's illegal siege on the enclave.
The flotilla, which has been sparked by the devastating consequences of Israel's genocidal war against Palestinians in Gaza, aims to raise awareness about the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region. According to activists, international law is on their side, and their journey will bring attention to the plight of Palestinians in Gaza.
Mandela Mandela, grandson of late South African leader Nelson Mandela, who was among activists arrested by Israel during last year's voyage, described the undertaking as a cause for justice and dignity for all. The flotilla will be supported by a land convoy across nearby Arab countries, expected to attract thousands more backers.
Last October, Israel's military intercepted some 40 boats from the Global Sumud Flotilla as they carried aid, arresting over 450 participants, including Mandela, Swedish campaigner Greta Thunberg, and European Parliament member Rima Hassan. Several detainees alleged physical and psychological abuse while in Israeli custody.
The flotilla organizers accused Israel's seizure of their vessels of violating international maritime law, claiming that the blockade has led to famine-like conditions in Gaza. While some aid has reached the enclave since a "ceasefire" started in October, it falls far short of what is needed to meet urgent needs, according to the UN.
Activists anticipate that Israel will again try to stop their passage but remain undeterred. Susan Abdallah, one of the activists, stated, "We may not have reached Gaza physically, but we have reached...the people in Gaza. They know that we care, that we will not stop at anything until we actually break the siege."
The flotilla's determination to challenge Israel's actions and bring attention to the plight of Palestinians in Gaza is a testament to the power of peaceful resistance and the resolve of those fighting for justice and human rights.