ISTANBUL

The International Committee to Break the Siege on Gaza said Saturday that the “Global Sumud Flotilla” will begin its journey Sunday from Barcelona, followed by a second departure Thursday from Tunisia, to challenge Israel’s blockade of the Palestinian enclave.

In a statement, the committee described the flotilla as a worldwide protest against “the siege and genocide” in Gaza, accusing international institutions of “failure and complicity.”

It stressed the convoy is “not just symbolic boats carrying aid, but a powerful humanitarian message” reflecting global determination to end the siege. “Every ship carries a cry of hope for Gaza and a global voice demanding an immediate end to the blockade and injustice,” the statement said.

The Global Sumud Flotilla brings together four initiatives: the Maghreb Sumud Flotilla, the Global Movement to Gaza, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, and Sumud Nusantara.

Organizers said the effort follows earlier attempts to challenge the blockade, including the Turkish ship Mavi Marmara in 2010 and this year’s missions of the vessels Al-Dhamir, Madleen, and Handala.

Israeli naval forces intercepted the Handala aid ship on July 26 as it neared Gaza’s shores and escorted it to Ashdod Port. The vessel had reached about 70 nautical miles from Gaza, surpassing the distance covered by the Madleen, which made it 110 miles before being stopped, according to the committee.

Israel has killed nearly 63,400 Palestinians in Gaza since October 2023. The military campaign has devastated the enclave, which is facing famine.

Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.