The Global Sumud Flotilla has arrived in Turkey after Israeli forces intercepted it in the Mediterranean Sea during its mission to Gaza. Flotilla organisers will be holding an international assembly in Marmaris to discuss how to manage the current situation.
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Global Sumud Flotilla in Turkey to discuss strategy and plans
The Global Sumud Flotilla docked in Turkey ahead of an international assembly on May 12 after Israeli forces intercepted its mission to Gaza in international waters. About 30 boats in the Global Sumud fleet from Barcelona and Italy made it to Turkey.
The international assembly gives the group the opportunity to deepen its political strategy and discuss how to manage the current situation. Organisers will also hold a press conference to present the next phase of the mission.
⛵️Flotilla Update⛵️: The Globa Sumud Flotilla (GSF) Arrives to Turkey.
After 24 days—across a stop on the island of Sicily, an Israeli interception, almost two days of detainment on an Israeli prison boat, and a recent stop on the island of Crete—over 30 GSF ships from Barcelona… pic.twitter.com/dK6xiMXfcY
— Alex Colston (@enoughformethx) May 9, 2026
Moreover, Israeli forces intercepted 22 boats and took about 175 participants captive, ending the flotilla’s mission of challenging the Israeli blockade of aid into Gaza. While Israeli authorities released most of the participants, they held two in custody, accusing them of providing services to a terrorist organisation.
Israeli authorities recently released one of the two, Saif Abu Keshek. Most of the participants have accused Israeli authorities of maltreatment and torture. Lawyers accused Israeli soldiers of beating the second activist, Thiago Avila, so severely that he passed out twice.
“Still, thousands of Palestinian prisoners are being held hostage in Israeli dungeons, subjected to inhumane conditions,” the Global Sumud Flotilla said in a post that announced Saif’s release.
Additionally, the group has created a video series where children in Gaza speak directly to the people sailing with the flotilla. The video series aims to share the reality on the ground in Gaza and the reality of the people living in it.
Flotilla group launches land convoy headed for Gaza
Following the Israeli interception of the flotilla’s fleet at sea, the Global Sumud Flotilla has launched a land convoy headed to Gaza. The convoy set off for Gaza with the aim of providing humanitarian aid to people in the region.
“By forming the largest civilian land movement in modern history, we are marching shoulder to shoulder with over 1500 conscientious activists, doctors, engineers, and educators from more than 35 countries,” the group posted on X.
The convoy comprises 10 ambulances, 50 aid trucks, and 20 mobile homes. It set off from Mauritania and is now advancing through Algeria to reach Libya. After reaching Libya, the convoy will head to Egypt before going directly to the Rafah border crossing.
Moreover, the convoy’s goal is not only to deliver aid but also to help in the reconstruction and recovery of Gaza.