The Global Sumud humanitarian flotilla has resumed its mission to deliver aid to Gaza and challenge the Israeli blockade of aid to the region. About 50 vessels have departed from the port in Marmaris after organisers announced the continuation of the mission.
Global Sumud Flotilla resumes mission after Israeli interception
The Global Sumud Flotilla has resumed its mission to Gaza, with about 50 boats departing from Turkey on Thursday. Organisers have said this is the final leg of the journey to Gaza.
Israeli forces initially intercepted the mission to Gaza last month. They intercepted 22 boats and captured about 175 activists aboard the fleet.
Moreover, while Israel has released all the captured activists, they accused Israeli forces of maltreatment and torture. Israeli forces accused some of the activists of providing services to a terrorist organisation and prolonged their detention on that basis.
The Israeli navy intercepted the humanitarian flotilla in international waters on the Mediterranean Sea. They made the interception when the fleet was still about 600 nautical miles away from Gaza. A day before the interception, activists said they noted an aircraft seemingly carrying out a surveillance exercise.
The incident sparked widespread protests and demands for the release of the captured activists. The UN special rapporteur, Francesca Albanese, also demanded the release of the activists.
However, organisers of the flotilla recently held a press conference to announce their plans following the interception of the flotilla. They announced that the mission will continue.
According to the flotilla real-time tracker, as of May 15, 2026 (13:29 UTC), the fleet is currently in the eastern Mediterranean, having passed through the islands of Rhodes and the port of Marmaris. The tracker marks about 57 vessels as actively sailing.
Humanitarian flotilla legal team sends notification to international community
The Global Sumud Flotilla, in a press release through X, announced the departure of the fleet from Marmaris. The group’s legal team, through the release, also defined the legal nature of the journey and any possible obstruction.
The release noted that the mission is under the legal principle that the Israeli blockade is not a legitimate maritime blockade. The release also noted that the legal team has implemented a strategy of prevention, documentation, and prosecution to ensure accountability.
“The flotilla asserts its right to humanitarian passage and the right of its participants not to be the object of kidnapping, arbitrary detention, or violent interception in international waters. This journey is a practical exercise of international law in the face of government inaction,” the release read.
However, the release also notes that there are legal consequences for the earlier interference with the flotilla in international waters. It highlights that organisers have started criminal proceedings have been initiated worldwide, including in Spain, Italy, and Turkey.
