Despite the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla by the Israeli navy, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) has announced a renewed effort to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. The coalition issued a statement on Thursday, October 2, confirming the launch of its latest mission.
Two ships flying Italian and French flags departed from the port of Otranto, Italy, on September 25. Five days later, on September 30, an additional nine vessels set sail. Together, the 11 ships will soon converge into a single large flotilla bound for Gaza.
The new fleet carries around 100 participants, including volunteers and sailors. The mission is being led by FFC, a coalition of four international organizations: the Freedom Flotilla Foundation, the Global Movement to Gaza, the Maghreb Sumud Flotilla, and Sumud Nusantara.
Since its launch in 2008, the FFC has organized multiple aid missions to Gaza. Most recently, in August, it sent 43 ships carrying food and medicine under the banner of the Global Sumud Flotilla. That mission drew widespread attention with the participation of Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, Mandla Mandela—the grandson of former South African president Nelson Mandela—and nearly 500 participants from 44 countries, including lawmakers, lawyers, and political activists.
However, on August 31, the majority of the fleet that had departed Spain was intercepted by Israeli forces before reaching Gaza’s waters. All but one vessel were seized and towed to Israeli ports along with their passengers.
Although the incident triggered protests worldwide, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government has not shifted its stance. By announcing this new mission, the FFC has made clear that efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza will not cease.
Sources: A News, Times of Israel