What is the Sumud Global Flotilla and what happened to it?
The Global Sumud Flotilla, intercepted by Israel in violation of international law, is generating mobilizations of support throughout much of the world. Its targets are Gaza.
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The Flotilla (GSF) is a non-violent, unarmed civil society initiative formed in June 2025. Its name, Sumud ( ṣumūd ), means "steadfastness" or "steadfast perseverance" in Arabic, a symbol of Palestinian resistance. It was formed through an alliance of various groups seeking to break Israel's blockade of Gaza and open a permanent humanitarian corridor. Its members include the Freedom Flotilla Coalition , the World March to Gaza, the Maghreb Sumud Flotilla, and Sumud Nusantara.
The flotilla involves 500 people from 46 countries aboard 52 vessels. It is the largest civilian maritime convoy ever organized to Gaza. It set sail in August 2025 from ports in Spain, Italy, Tunisia, and Greece, with multiple ships: Sirius, Alma, Adara, among others.
What happened
Yesterday, the flotilla was intercepted by the Israeli Army in international waters, 70 miles off the coast of Gaza. This is an area patrolled by Israel but over which it has no jurisdiction.
Francesca Albanese, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories, had warned that “intercepting the vessels constitutes a violation of international law, as the waters off Gaza are not under Israel's legitimate authority. International law prohibits unlawful interception.”
Among those arrested is Swedish activist Greta Thunberg. Brazilian activist Thiago Ávila reported that before the interception, there were cyberattacks and dangerous maneuvers that left the vessels without communication systems.
The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs officially announced that several ships from the Global Sumud Flotilla were detained. The passengers were taken by Navy ship to the port of Ashdod. From there, they will be deported to their countries of origin.
According to the newspaper El País today, " a Spanish Navy ship is prepared to carry out rescue operations, but will not enter the exclusion zone to avoid risks and conflicts ."
"Israeli naval forces illegally intercepted and boarded the Global Sumud Flotilla vessel, Allakatalla, along with other vessels in international waters. Live feeds and communications have been cut off. The status of the participants and crew remains unconfirmed.
This is an unlawful attack against unarmed humanitarian workers. We call on governments and international institutions to demand their safety and immediate release," GSF posted on the afternoon of October 2nd.
In 2008, 2010, 2011, 2015, 2016, and 2023, other fleets attempted to break the maritime blockade imposed by Israel since 2007.
Fleet objectives and support on the streets
The objectives pursued by the flotilla are:
-Supply Gaza: transport hundreds of tons of food, water, and medicine to the civilian population.
-Open a corridor: attempt to open a permanent humanitarian corridor for the Palestinian people.
-Make famine visible: draw global attention to the genocide and systematic famine used as a weapon of war by the State of Israel.
While it was once reported that some boats managed to continue and evade the operation, official information so far indicates that most of the activists are detained and will be deported. Meanwhile, demonstrations in support of the Flotilla are taking place in various cities across Europe and Latin America.
Between yesterday and today, protests are being held in various cities urging governments to speak out against the genocide and provide support to their fellow citizens who are part of the Flotilla.
Coverage in Mexico: Geo González and Katia Rejón
Cover image: Brahim Guedich Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license.
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