Activists plan larger aid flotilla to depart for Gaza in March

A Global Sumud Flotilla is planned to set sail next month with over 1,000 participants on board. The flotilla, which aims to deliver aid to Gaza, will consist of more than 100 boats and be supported by a land convoy across nearby Arab countries.

The event is being organized by the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was involved in a similar mission last year when Israel intercepted some 40 boats carrying aid. In that incident, over 450 participants were arrested, including several high-profile individuals such as Greta Thunberg and Rima Hassan.

According to organizers, the new flotilla is the largest-ever civilian-led mobilization against Israel’s actions in Gaza. The event is being supported by Nelson Mandela’s grandson, Mandla Mandela, who was among those arrested during last year’s voyage.

The Global Sumud Flotilla claims that its mission is to break Israel’s “illegal” siege of Gaza and accuses Israel’s seizure of their vessels of violating international maritime law. Israel has restricted supplies of aid since launching a conflict in Gaza, which has led to famine-like conditions in the enclave.

Some aid has reached Gaza since a ceasefire was established in October, but the UN says it falls short of what is needed to meet urgent needs. The flotilla activists anticipate that Israel will try to stop their passage, but they claim that international law is on their side and that their journey will bring attention to the plight of Palestinians in Gaza.

The event is expected to attract thousands more backers through a land convoy across nearby Arab countries. Participants include medics and war crimes investigators, who say that they are committed to delivering aid to those in need.

Source: Al Jazeera