Global Sumud Flotilla Departs Italy, Tunisia Carrying Aid to Gaza

The Global Sumud Flotilla, comprising about 50 boats and around 600 people from 44 countries, has set sail to deliver humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza, attempting to break the Israeli naval blockade. The flotilla includes 18 Italian boats departing from Sicily, carrying nearly 500 tons of food aid collected in Genoa, as well as vessels leaving from Tunisia and Greece. Notable passengers include European politicians and activists such as four MEPs and Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg. The flotilla faces significant challenges as Israeli authorities maintain tight control over Gaza's shores, with warnings from Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir labeling activists as terrorists and outlining plans to intercept the flotilla. Recently, two flotilla vessels were reportedly targeted by drone attacks in Tunisian waters, raising safety concerns among participants. Despite these threats, the flotilla's members remain determined to deliver aid and highlight potential human rights and international law violations during the mission.