Pakistani nationals are among activists from 44 countries who have arrived in Tunisia to join the Global Sumud Flotilla, an international convoy dedicated to delivering aid to Gaza and challenging Israel’s blockade. Senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan is on board, traveling with campaigners from Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Germany, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Kuwait, the Maldives, Luxembourg, Oman, Norway, Spain, Thailand, and several other nations.
According to the flotilla’s official X account, the first wave of ships has arrived in Tunisia, where the vessels are gathering before continuing their journey toward Gaza.
Preparing for Departure The aid vessels and activists docked in Tunis on Sunday, September 7, marking their final stop before resuming their eastward voyage. Crowds of Tunisians welcomed the first boats arriving from Spain at the port of Sidi Bou Said, near the capital. Organizers said about 20 vessels are expected to dock in Tunisia over the next two days before setting off again.
Wael Nawar, a steering committee member of the Maghreb flotilla, told Anadolu that “the ships that left Spain have started entering Tunisian waters.” He added that Tunisian vessels will join the convoy when it departs on Wednesday, with additional boats linking up off the Italian coast.
Approximately 150 activists are participating, including Tunisians, Turkish citizens, and campaigners from across Europe, Africa, and Asia. The first group set sail from Barcelona on August 22, followed by another that departed from Genoa, Italy, last week.
Humanitarian Mission Organizers state that the mission aims to draw global attention to the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. International monitors declared a famine in northern Gaza last month, and Israel has kept the territory under a tight blockade since March, allowing only limited aid deliveries. The conflict has devastated the enclave, with nearly 64,400 Palestinians killed since Israel’s military campaign began in October 2023. The flotilla plans to remain in Tunis for two days to stock up on food and water before sailing for Gaza on September 10.
International Support In Tunis, prominent figures, including Nelson Mandela’s grandson, Mandla Mandela, and French actress Adèle Haenel, have joined volunteers preparing to continue the journey. The convoy, consisting of nearly 20 ships, hopes to break the Israeli siege and highlight what organizers describe as a “dire humanitarian catastrophe” in Gaza.
