Global Sumud Flotilla

Turkish Global Sumud Flotilla activists announce new Gaza mission

Organizer Behesti Ismail Songur said preparations are underway for a larger flotilla with broader international participation in the coming months.

|ByYOAV ETIEL
Activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla, aiming to reach Gaza and break Israel’s naval blockade, gather at a port before their departure in the southern Turkish resort of Marmaris, Turkey, May 14, 2026.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir attends a House committee meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli Parliament in Jerusalem on, June 8, 2026.

Italy opens investigation into Ben-Gvir over handling of Gaza flotilla activists - report

Italy opened the investigation following social media videos showing the alleged mistreatment of Gaza-bound activists by the Israeli National Security Minister last month.

|ByMATHILDA HELLER
Activists whose Gaza-bound aid flotilla was intercepted by Israeli forces chant while delivering a speech upon their return to the United States at JFK Airport in the Queens borough of New York City, US, May 24, 2026.

France launches 'war crimes' probe into Israel over flotilla treatment following Ben-Gvir video

The investigation, prompted by a video published by Ben-Gvir, was initiated following a formal referral submitted to the prosecutor's office by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot.

|ByYOAV ETIEL
Italian activist from the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla, Ilaria Del Mastro, a nurse at San Giovanni Addolorata Hospital, May 21, 2026.

Gaza-bound aid convoy dissolves in Libya after activists arrested at Sirte crossing, ten in custody

The Global Sumud Land Convoy said that it had been forced to end its journey across northern Africa to Gaza due to bureaucratic obfuscation, violence, and the detention of activists.

|ByMICHAEL STARR

Italy's navy to quit escorting Global Sumud Flotilla

Italy’s navy will stop accompanying the Gaza aid flotilla 150 miles from shore, warning activists to turn back. Israel has vowed to block the convoy from reaching Gaza.

SEPTEMBER 30, 2025ByREUTERS
Italy's Defense Minister Guido Crosetto addresses the Parliament, saying the country will send a second navy ship to escort the Global Sumud Flotilla heading to Gaza trying to deliver supplies, in Rome, Italy, September 25, 2025.

Gaza-bound flotilla 200 miles from coast of Israel

There are around 42 vessels in the group. The Sumud group reported that two vessels appeared to join the flotilla at sea on Tuesday from Turkey.

SEPTEMBER 30, 2025BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
A handout image of the boat Free Willy sailing in the waters off the island of Crete, which is to join the Global Sumud Flotilla that has come under drone attack while trying to deliver aid to Gaza and break Israel's naval blockade, September 25, 2025.

French politician reported to prosecutor for 'terrorism' offenses after meeting PFLP in Lebanon

On September 28, The Jerusalem Post reported that Portes flew to Lebanon and met with PFLP members shortly after quitting the Gaza flotilla for "personal reasons."

SEPTEMBER 30, 2025ByMATHILDA HELLER
Thomas Portes with deputy Andrée Taurinya, Olivier Besancenot, and Salah Hamouri visiting the 'cemetery of the martyrs of the Palestinian cause,' as well as the refugee camps of Sabra and Shatila and of Mar Elias in Beirut on September 26, 2025.

Captured documents reveal Hamas organized, funded Gaza flotilla

Gaza flotilla leaders are said to have had direct contact with Hamas.

SEPTEMBER 30, 2025ByPESACH BENSON/TPS
Zaher Birawi (Left), the Head of the PCPA’s Hamas sector in the UK, behind flotilla leaders.

Gaza-bound flotilla almost 300 miles from coast of Israel

It has taken a month for the flotilla to traverse around 1,700 nautical miles of open water.

SEPTEMBER 29, 2025BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
Activists including Greta Thunberg, stand on a boat that is part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a humanitarian expedition to Gaza, as seen from the port in Barcelona, Spain August 31, 2025

Son of Hamas calls for Israelis to launch 'counter-flotilla' against Gaza activists

Yousef, who once worked undercover for the Shin Bet, has since become a vocal advocate for Israel abroad. He issued his appeal over the weekend in a series of fiery social media posts.

SEPTEMBER 28, 2025ByPESACH BENSON/TPS
Mosab Hassan Yousef speaks at a screening of uncensored footage from the October 7th massacre in Israel by Hamas terrorists at United Nations on November 20, 2023 in New York City.

French MP quits Gaza flotilla for 'personal reasons', flies to meet PFLP reps in Lebanon

Thomas Portes met with PFLP members in Beirut days after leaving the Gaza flotilla, sparking criticism from French Jewish politician Shannon Seban.

SEPTEMBER 28, 2025ByMATHILDA HELLER
Thomas Portes with deputy Andrée Taurinya, Olivier Besancenot, and Salah Hamouri visiting the 'cemetery of the martyrs of the Palestinian cause,' as well as the refugee camps of Sabra and Shatila and of Mar Elias in Beirut on September 26, 2025.

Turkey may be using drones to show support for Gaza flotilla - analysis

Turkish drones and a frigate are tracking the Global Sumud flotilla near Crete as it heads toward Gaza, with Italy, Spain, and Greece also monitoring.

SEPTEMBER 28, 2025BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
Boats, part of the Global Sumud Flotilla aiming to reach Gaza and break Israel's naval blockade, sail off Koufonisi islet, Greece, September 26, 2025.

Gaza-bound flotilla resumes journey from Crete toward Gaza

After two days anchored near Crete, the 40-vessel flotilla set sail again with Italian and Spanish warships nearby to monitor and support its passage.

SEPTEMBER 28, 2025BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
Greta Thunberg and a crew member flash victory signs from their ship, part of the Global Sumud Flotilla aiming to reach Gaza and break Israel's naval blockade, as they sail off Crete island, Greece, September 25, 2025.

Gaza flotilla group decries 'psychological operations' as ABBA blasts through vessel radios

“We are witnessing these psychological operations first-hand, right now, but we will not be intimidated,” organizers from GSF alleged in a statement.

SEPTEMBER 27, 2025ByDANIELLE GREYMAN-KENNARD
A handout image of the boat Free Willy sailing in the waters off the island of Crete, which is to join the Global Sumud Flotilla that has come under drone attack while trying to deliver aid to Gaza and break Israel's naval blockade, September 25, 2025.