The Global Sumud Flotilla has completed preparations in Italy and is set to depart on Sunday as part of a maritime mission aimed at challenging the Israeli blockade imposed on Gaza and delivering humanitarian aid to its population, Al Mayadeen reported.
According to the flotilla’s spokesperson in Italy, Elena Dalia, departure procedures are scheduled to begin at midday, with around 65 vessels participating in the mission. She noted that the scale of the convoy may require time before the full fleet can officially set sail.
Dalia stated that the initial destination will be Greece, citing what she described as a complex geopolitical situation in the Mediterranean, linked to ongoing regional tensions. She added that the flotilla will use intermediate stops along the route to assess conditions and make operational decisions during the voyage.
The Global Sumud Flotilla is a civilian initiative launched in 2025, bringing together representatives of civil society organizations, activists, and volunteers from multiple countries.
The current deployment marks its second maritime mission under what organizers describe as the “Spring 2026 Mission,” departing from Italy after earlier coordination phases across Europe.
Earlier stages of the voyage began on April 12 from Barcelona, before vessels reached the Italian island of Sicily on April 23. There, additional boats joined the convoy, and final preparations were completed at the port of Augusta in the island’s east.
bd-pratidin/GR
