Activists intercepted last year by Israel say they will launch a larger flotilla this year, aiming for about 100 boats and up to 1,000 medics to try to reach Gaza. Last October roughly 40 vessels from the Global Sumud Flotilla were stopped and more than 450 participants — including Greta Thunberg — were detained. Organisers, meeting at the Nelson Mandela Foundation in Johannesburg, say the effort aims to spotlight Gaza's humanitarian crisis even if the convoy is prevented from reaching the territory.
Activists Announce Larger Flotilla — Aim For 100 Boats And Up To 1,000 Medics To Reach Gaza
A drone picture shows a flotilla of humanitarian boats led by French activist Melissa, dubbed the “Thousand Madleens,” departing from the Sicilian port of San Giovanni li Cuti in Catania, Italy September 27, 2025. REUTERS/Danilo Arnone/File Photo
Activists who were intercepted by Israeli forces last year say they will mount a renewed and larger sea effort to deliver aid to Gaza, planning roughly 100 boats and up to 1,000 medical personnel, organisers announced in Johannesburg on Thursday.
Background
Last October the Israeli military intercepted about 40 vessels that were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla as they tried to approach the blockaded Gaza Strip. Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and more than 450 other participants were detained during that operation.
Organisers' Plans and Message
Organisers, who met at the Nelson Mandela Foundation in Johannesburg, said they hope the expanded flotilla will mobilise international attention and pressure. They said the next effort will include humanitarian workers and as many as 1,000 medics on roughly 100 boats.
Mandla Mandela, Nelson Mandela's grandson and a participant in last year’s mission, said: "It is a cause for those that want to rise and stand for justice and dignity for all. We want to mobilise the global community to join forces with us."
Responses and Context
Israeli officials have repeatedly criticised last year's mission and earlier, smaller attempts to reach Gaza by sea as publicity stunts. Israel controls all access to the Gaza Strip and says it is not withholding supplies from the territory's population of more than 2 million people. Palestinian authorities and international aid agencies say deliveries remain insufficient, despite a ceasefire reached in October that included commitments to increase aid flows.
Following the ceasefire, Israeli forces control more than 53% of the Gaza Strip and have ordered residents to leave areas under their control. Much of the population is concentrated in a narrow coastal strip and is living in makeshift tents and damaged buildings.
Susan Abdallah, an activist, said: "We may not have reached Gaza physically, but we have reached the people in Gaza. They know that we care, that we will not stop at anything until we actually break the siege."
What Might Happen Next
Organisers acknowledge the possibility the flotilla could be blocked again, but say the mission's value lies in drawing international attention to Gaza’s humanitarian crisis and pressuring governments and aid organisations to act. Israeli authorities are likely to reiterate security and legal objections; organisers say they will press on with peaceful humanitarian aims.
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