Daijiworld Media Network - Gaza
Gaza, Feb 6: Global aid activists have announced plans for a fresh and significantly larger Gaza-bound flotilla next month, after Israeli forces intercepted a similar mission at sea last year.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, addressing a gathering in Johannesburg on Thursday, said it will sail more than 100 boats carrying up to 1,000 activists, including medical professionals and war crimes investigators, towards the Gaza Strip in March. The meeting was held at the foundation of late South African leader Nelson Mandela.
Describing the initiative as the largest civilian-led mobilisation against Israel’s actions in Gaza, the organisers said the mission aims to draw global attention to what they termed the “illegal siege” of the enclave.
Mandla Mandela, grandson of Nelson Mandela and one of the activists arrested by Israel during last year’s voyage, said the flotilla would also be supported by a land convoy passing through neighbouring Arab countries, which is expected to attract thousands of additional supporters.
“This is a cause for those who want to rise and stand for justice and dignity for all,” he said.
In October last year, Israeli forces intercepted around 40 boats linked to the Global Sumud Flotilla that were attempting to deliver aid to Gaza. More than 450 participants were detained, including Mandla Mandela, Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and European Parliament member Rima Hassan. Several detainees later alleged physical and psychological abuse while in Israeli custody.
Israeli authorities had dismissed the flotilla and similar earlier attempts as publicity stunts. However, organisers maintained that their actions were aimed at breaking the blockade on Gaza and accused Israel of violating international maritime law by seizing their vessels.
Activists and humanitarian groups have accused Israel of severely restricting aid supplies to Gaza since the launch of its military offensive, leading to famine-like conditions. While some aid has entered the enclave following a ceasefire that began in October, the United Nations has said it remains far below what is required to meet urgent humanitarian needs.
Despite anticipating possible interception once again, flotilla organisers said they were determined to proceed, insisting international law supports their mission.
“We may not have reached Gaza physically, but we have reached the people of Gaza,” said activist Susan Abdallah. “They know we care, and we will not stop until the siege is broken.”