Global Sumud Flotilla Announces August–September Multi-country Civilian Sailing to Break Gaza Siege

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Global Sumud Flotilla Announces August–September Multi-Country Civilian Sailing to Gaza

Tunis, Tunisia — August 4, 2025 — The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) coalition convened a landmark press conference at the General Union of Tunisian Workers in Tunis, bringing together participants from over 44 countries in preparation for what organizers describe as the largest civilian maritime mission to Gaza since the siege began in 2007.

The GSF states that its mission is to challenge israel’s blockade of Gaza and draw attention to what it characterizes as international complicity amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis affecting the Palestinian people. The press conference, attended by local and international media, featured key representatives including Muhammad Nadir Al-Nuri, Yasemin Acar, Maria Elena Delia, Saif Abukeshek, and Hayfa Mansouri.

Key Announcements and Timeline

• Late Summer 2025: Dozens of civilian vessels are scheduled to sail toward Gaza
• Main Launch: Spain — August 31, 2025
• Additional Launches: Tunisia and other countries — September 4, 2025
• Global Participation: Delegations from over 44 countries, including Malaysia, the United States, Brazil, Italy, Morocco, Sri Lanka, Tunisia, the Netherlands, and Colombia

Regional Coordination:

• The Southeast Asia coalition, Sumud Nusantara, confirmed that Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will serve as official patron.
• The regional convoy is scheduled to be flagged off on August 23, 2025.

Global Mobilization:

• Coordinated rallies are planned across dozens of countries on August 9, 2025
• Additional demonstrations are expected around the launch dates, aimed at increasing public pressure on governments

Mission Overview

The flotilla is presented by organizers as a legal and peaceful civilian initiative grounded in international law. GSF representatives emphasized that any interception of the vessels would be considered unlawful.

According to organizers, the mission is both humanitarian and symbolic, calling for an end to:

• The Gaza blockade
• Food and resource restrictions
• Systemic dehumanization of Palestinians
• Ongoing violence and humanitarian conditions in the region

The flotilla is expected to carry humanitarian aid as well as a diverse group of participants, including doctors, lawyers, journalists, activists, and artists. Organizers describe the effort as an act of global solidarity, conveying the message: “You are not alone.”

Statements from Representatives

“Palestinian people don't need to be saved. They can save themselves. We are just listening to what they ask, and they are asking for their rights to be respected: the right to live, the right to eat, the right to move, the right to be free, the right to be free in dignity.”
— Maria Elena Delia

“We, the people from around the world, are determined. We stand with the people of Palestine, and we will sail for justice with a message to the people in Gaza: We see you. We hear you. And we are coming back stronger.”
— Yasemin Acar

“Silence today is complicity in genocide. Whoever does not take any active and direct action to contribute to the end of the siege, the end of the genocide, and the path to freedom, is complicit in all these crimes.”
— Saif Abukeshek

Media Accreditation & Contact

Email: media@globalsumudflotilla.org
Signal / WhatsApp: +44 1414 620 950
Website: globalsumudflotilla.org

Press are encouraged to submit inquiries in advance and follow official announcements on Telegram.
Social: @globalsumudflotilla

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