Global Sumud Flotilla: What to know about the humanitarian mission to Gaza

SHAH ALAM – The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), an international humanitarian mission carrying aid for Palestinians in Gaza, has encountered rough weather, delays and technical difficulties since leaving Spain.

With more than 1,000 volunteers from 44 countries, including 15 Malaysians, the mission continues as one of the largest maritime solidarity efforts for Gaza.

On Sept 1, 24 flotilla ships carrying essential supplies and messages of solidarity departed from Barcelona, Spain.

Hundreds of activists witnessed the departure in support of the largest maritime aid mission to Gaza, organised by the Global Movement to Gaza, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, the Maghreb Sumud Flotilla and Sumud Nusantara.

According to the Sumud Nusantara Secretariat, Malaysia’s delegation was led by Cinta Gaza Malaysia (CGM), Mapim Malaysia and Cinta Salam Malaysia.

The mission sought to open humanitarian corridors and press for an immediate end to attacks on Gaza.

“The Malaysian delegation was warmly welcomed by the international community as the Jalur Gemilang flew proudly in Barcelona. This flotilla mission is proof that the world is taking action, not just talking.

"Malaysia is respected for its courage, with the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim serving as patron of the Sumud Nusantara Movement and taking firm action at the international level,” said Mapim Malaysia Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Malaysian Chief de Mission Datuk Sani Araby in a statement.

Voices of solidarity

Sumud Nusantara director-general Nadir Al-Nuri, who also served on the GSF Main Committee said the flotilla symbolised a collective global stand against the siege on Gaza.

“From Barcelona to Kuala Lumpur, from Southeast Asia to the rest of the world, we must unite to demand the same rights. Stop the famine immediately, end the war in Gaza, and open the Rafah humanitarian corridor,” he said.

Nadir, who was also CEO of Cinta Gaza Malaysia said it is time for Malaysians and the global community “to rise at all levels to provide support and exert pressure on the Zionist regime.”

Storm delays and setbacks

The mission was not without difficulties. On Sept 2, the flotilla was forced to return to Barcelona for several hours because of strong Mediterranean winds reaching 55.6 kilometres per hour.

The weather posed risks for the smaller vessels travelling in the convoy.

The convoy had originally been scheduled to meet another flotilla in Tunisia, but the plan was delayed.

The following day, on Sept 3, Malaysian volunteer preacher Pencetus Ummah Rahmat Ikhsan Mohd Sofyan described further challenges after a storm caused a short circuit on board, disrupting the charging of mobile phones and limiting communication.

“Alhamdulillah, we are sailing smoothly. The ship is functioning perfectly but last night there was a strong storm that caused some of our aid items and small belongings to be thrown around.

“What is saddening is that we might not be able to charge mobile phones because a short circuit occurred in the charging area or in our electricity supply," he said on Facebook.

Although the ship’s operating systems remained functional, Rahmat clarified that the storm made it difficult for journalists on board to update developments.

“My journalist friends also cannot charge their phones and power banks are limited. So, please pray for our safety,” he added.

International participation

Organisers said that the Global Sumud Flotilla was the largest of its kind, with more than 50 ships and delegations from across the world.

In total, over 1,000 participants from 44 countries were involved, including representatives from Malaysia, Australia, Brazil, Colombia, South Africa and numerous European countries.

Among the high-profile participants were climate activist Greta Thunberg, former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau Ballano, Irish actor Liam Cunningham and Spanish actor Eduard Fernandez.

This was the third attempt to break Israel’s maritime blockade of Gaza.

Previous flotillas were intercepted by Israeli naval forces in international waters. Unlike governments, all participants were independent volunteers or organisations.

Organisers stated that beyond delivering aid, the mission carried symbolic weight.

The flotilla brought together groups from Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America and West Asia, demonstrating international solidarity with the people of Gaza and calling for immediate humanitarian access.