Johannesburg, South Africa – Activists who participated in a flotilla intercepted by Israel last year while attempting to deliver aid to Gaza have announced their intention to repeat the effort this year.
The activists expect more than 100 boats, carrying approximately 1,000 aid workers – more than double the number of boats used in the previous attempt.
This move comes after the Israeli military intercepted some 40 boats during the Global Freedom Flotilla in October 2015.
Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and more than 450 other participants were arrested during the operation.
The activists aim to highlight the suffering of Gaza’s residents through this attempt.
Most Gazans live in makeshift tents and dilapidated buildings after Israeli forces seized control of more than 53% of the Gaza Strip.
Israeli forces have also ordered residents to leave these areas.
The new plans were announced during a meeting of activists at the Nelson Mandela Foundation in Johannesburg. His grandson, Mandela Mandela, who had been arrested during a previous protest, attended the meeting. Mandela called on the international community to support the initiative, emphasizing that its goal is to defend justice and dignity for all. He also stressed that the aim is to send a message of solidarity to the people of Gaza.
For their part, Israeli officials described the previous mission and earlier attempts to reach Gaza by sea as propaganda stunts.
They insisted that Israel does not prevent aid from reaching the population. Meanwhile, Palestinian and international aid organizations say that assistance remains insufficient.
This comes despite the ceasefire agreement reached last October, which included guarantees of increased humanitarian support for the Gaza Strip.
Activists emphasize that the mission—despite its difficulties and the obstacles it faces—remains essential to highlighting the plight of Gaza.
They believe that their presence and engagement with the international community strengthens support for the cause.
Even if they are unable to actually deliver the boats, they insist on continuing their efforts.
Activist Suzanne Abdullah said, “We may not have reached Gaza physically, but we have reached the hearts of the people there, and we will not stop until we actually break the siege.”
