Global Sumud Flotilla Faces Setback but Remains Committed to Gaza Mission
The Global Sumud Flotilla, a civilian mission carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza, encountered a setback on September 29, 2025, when one of its vessels, the Johnn M, suffered a mechanical failure, forcing the operation to briefly halt, reports 24brussels.
The vessel developed a leak in its engine room that could not be resolved at sea, prompting its withdrawal from the convoy. All participants were successfully transferred to another ship; some will be reassigned to different vessels, while others are expected to be brought ashore.
The flotilla organizers expressed gratitude to the Red Crescent and the Turkish government for facilitating the safe return of participants and providing additional humanitarian aid to the mission.
The flotilla initially set sail with over 50 boats from Spain, Tunisia, Italy, and Greece, but the number has since decreased to about 40 due to technical issues. Tracking data showed 47 vessels at sea on Monday, with 42 navigating international waters near Alexandria, Egypt.
Since departing from Spain in early September, the initiative, involving 500 volunteers from 48 countries, has faced logistical challenges and several drone attacks. Organizers assured that the mechanical failure “will not cause significant delays,” with an expected arrival at Gaza’s coast in “just four days.” As of Tuesday night, the flotilla was reported to be 366 miles (589 km) from Palestinian waters.
As the convoy nears what is deemed a “high-risk zone,” the mission has requested “preventive protection” from states, emphasizing that it remains a “non-violent action driven by civil society.”
Yasemin Acar, a German activist and steering committee member, stated that the Global Sumud Flotilla is “on the final leg of its mission.” She highlighted that the flotilla is approaching the area where the Madleen ship was intercepted in a previous Freedom Flotilla operation.
In response to safety concerns, Spain dispatched the naval vessel Furor from Cartagena on the previous Friday to support the flotilla, while Italy has authorized two military ships to assist the mission. Italy had previously suggested offloading the aid in Cyprus for further delivery to Gaza, a proposal the organizers rejected.
In parallel, roughly ten additional boats departed from Italy to join the broader Freedom Flotilla undertaking, which has conducted similar missions since 2008. This includes the infamous 2010 voyage of the Mavi Marmara, during which Israeli forces killed ten activists. On Sunday, the Freedom Flotilla announced another mission set to depart on October 1 from an undisclosed Mediterranean location for security reasons.
Despite facing mounting technical difficulties and escalating threats, the Global Sumud Flotilla remains resolute in its commitment to reach Gaza, appealing to states for protection of what it describes as a peaceful, civilian-led humanitarian effort.
Author: MK
Source: EFE
