The Global Sumud Flotilla will resume its mission to Gaza after the Israeli navy’s interception in the Mediterranean Sea. The fleet aims to challenge Israel’s blockade of aid to Gaza and also supply humanitarian aid to citizens in the region.
Flotilla to resume Gaza mission after international assembly in Turkey
The Global Sumud Flotilla announced in a post on X that the fleet will resume its mission to challenge the Israeli blockade of aid to Gaza. The vessels set to sail with the flotilla have completed their preparations in Marmaris, Turkey, and will depart on May 14.
Organisers announced in a press conference after an international assembly held in Turkey. Saif Abu Keshek, who was just recently released from Israeli detention, made the announcement. Saif is a member of the Steering Committee.
Sefere son 1 gün! ⛵️
Global Sumud Filosu’na ait tekneler Marmaris’te hazırlıklarını tamamladı. Filo, yarın Gazze’ye yol alacak! 🌊
⛵️ One day left until departure!
The boats of the Global Sumud Flotilla have completed their preparations in Marmaris. The flotilla will set sail… pic.twitter.com/D1nHx46W6m
— Global Sumud Filosu Türkiye (@globalsumudtr) May 13, 2026
According to the announcement, about 54 vessels and over 500 activists will be departing Marmaris for Gaza.
“We sail one day before the Nakba, not only to commemorate the anniversary of the Nakba, but to act on it,” Saif Abu Keshek said.
However, Israeli forces intercepted the flotilla’s mission in international waters on the Mediterranean Sea. Though all participants have been released, the Israeli navy captured about 180 participants and intercepted 22 boats.
Captured activists accused Israeli forces of maltreatment and torture. Reports indicate that Israeli soldiers beat an activist to the point of passing out.
Nevertheless, this is the Israeli authorities’ second interception of the flotilla’s Gaza mission. In 2025, the flotilla also attempted to ship aid into Gaza, but Israeli forces intercepted the fleet.
Global Sumud Flotilla is motivated to help citizens in Gaza
Organisers of the Global Sumud Flotilla assembled the mission in response to direct calls for aid from Gaza. The Israeli authorities control the only aid channel for the region.
However, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has said that the aid restriction in the region is causing a malnutrition crisis. The situation has devastated pregnant women and their newborns. MSF attributes the malnutrition crisis in Gaza to Israel’s blockade of aid, food, and medical supplies entering Gaza.
Speaking on the flotilla’s departure, Sumeyra Akdeniz Ordu, a Global Sumud Flotilla board member, spoke on the situation in Gaza.
“We realized that the weight, responsibility, and cost of doing nothing are even heavier,” she said.
Organisers also launched a land aid convoy that is now heading to Gaza. The land convoy aims to assist in recovery and reconstruction in the region.