Global Sumud Flotilla Departs Sicily for Gaza With Dozens of Vessels

Overview

• The convoy left the Sicilian coast after earlier weather and technical delays, combining boats from Italy and Tunisia and planning to link up with six more in Greece for roughly 48 vessels.
• About 600 participants from more than 40 countries are on board, including Greta Thunberg, Brazilian activist Thiago Ávila, and European politicians.
• The mission seeks to breach Israel’s naval blockade to deliver food, medical equipment, and prostheses to Palestinians facing widespread hunger.
• Activists report nightly drone monitoring and say crews are conducting drills for potential attacks while stressing the effort’s nonviolent character.
• Participants say a September 9 incident caused a small fire on one boat without major damage, and Belgium has called for a complete and transparent investigation.