Flotilla with Thunberg reaches Tunisia
Gaza aid mission to sail on despite blockade warnings
Hundreds of Tunisians gathered in Sidi Bou Said to welcome the Global Sumud Flotilla, which includes climate activist Greta Thunberg and other prominent pro-Palestinian figures. The flotilla, part of an international humanitarian mission, aims to challenge the Israeli blockade of Gaza and deliver essential aid. After facing strong winds that forced them to return to Barcelona, the flotilla confirmed a revised departure date for their journey to Gaza.
The vessels, representing groups from 44 countries, reached Tunis after nearly a week at sea. They will dock for two days to restock supplies before continuing their mission. Brazilian activist Thiago Avila highlighted the challenges faced during the journey, emphasizing that they pale in comparison to the difficulties ahead.
Israel maintains that its naval blockade, imposed in 2007, is necessary to prevent weapons smuggling to Hamas, labeling attempts to break the blockade as propaganda. The country has denied accusations of genocide in Gaza, asserting its actions are justified as self-defense and is currently contesting a case at the International Court of Justice.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, the largest civilian-led maritime mission of its kind, comprises over 50 vessels and nearly 1,000 activists. The boats, which departed from Spain, Italy, and Malaysia, made a technical stop near Menorca due to storm damage before arriving in Tunis. Activists received a warm welcome, with speeches denouncing the Gaza blockade and calling for an end to what some describe as genocide.
The flotilla has issued a plea to the global community, urging the United Nations and governments to ensure safe passage for participants and to demand an end to the siege of Gaza. Organizers emphasize that this mission represents a significant increase in civilian involvement, uniting solidarity efforts across continents under a peaceful banner of humanitarian resistance, aiming to highlight the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
