What is the Sumud Global Flotilla and what happened to it?
The Sumud Global Flotilla, intercepted by Israel in violation of international law, is generating widespread support around the world. Its objectives are in Gaza.
Share
The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) is a nonviolent, unarmed civil society initiative formed in June 2025. Its name, Sumud ( ṣumūd ), means "steadfastness" or "constant 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 establish a permanent humanitarian corridor. Among its members are 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 for Gaza. It set sail in August 2025 from ports in Spain, Italy, Tunisia, and Greece, with multiple ships, including the Sirius, Alma, and Adara.
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 where 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 since the waters of Gaza are not under the legitimate authority of Israel. International law prohibits illegal interceptions.”
Among those detained is Swedish activist Greta Thunberg. Brazilian activist Thiago Ávila reported that prior to the interception there were cyberattacks and dangerous maneuvers that left the vessels without communication systems.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry officially reported that several ships belonging to the Sumud Global Flotilla were detained. The passengers were taken by Navy vessel to the port of Ashdod. From there, they will be deported to their countries of origin.
According to the newspaper El País, " 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 ships, in international waters. Live broadcasts and communications have been cut off. The status of the participants and crew remains unconfirmed.
This is an illegal attack against unarmed humanitarian workers. We call on governments and international institutions to demand their safety and immediate release,” the GSF posted on social media on the afternoon of October 2.
In 2008, 2010, 2011, 2015, 2016 and 2023 there were other fleets that tried 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 for the civilian population.
-Open a corridor: try to open a permanent humanitarian corridor for the Palestinian people.
-To make famine visible: to draw global attention to the genocide and systematic famine as a weapon of war established by the State of Israel.
While it was initially reported that some boats managed to continue and evade the operation, official information now 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 organized in various cities to demand that governments speak out against the genocide and provide support to their 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.
We are present
We are committed to journalism that delves into the territories and conducts thorough investigations, combined with new technologies and narrative formats. We want the protagonists, their stories, and their struggles to be present.
SUPPORT US
FOLLOW US
Related notes
We are present
This and other stories are not usually on the media agenda. Together we can bring them to light.