In recent weeks, Israel has escalated its campaign to malign, discredit, and criminalize the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), falsely attempting to portray the civilian-led humanitarian mission as a "security threat." For many, this rhetoric fits a broader pattern by Israel to delegitimise aid efforts and manufacture consent for lethal force against peaceful humanitarian volunteers. This escalation of Israeli rhetoric comes at a time when multiple drones of unidentified origin have been observed following the fleet, heightening concerns for participant safety.
International law is clear: civilians engaged in humanitarian missions are protected, and any attack on or obstruction of the GSF would violate the Geneva Conventions.
Efforts to break Israel's illegal siege of Gaza are themselves protected acts. Gaza retains sovereignty over its waters, and the flotilla sails within its rights to deliver aid and challenge Israel's violations. These principles are reinforced by the International Court of Justice, which has ordered Israel to facilitate humanitarian assistance and refrain from obstructing it-measures the GS mission directly upholds.
Israel's attempt to brand this mission as illegitimate is an effort to rewrite international law and conceal its own war crimes. The world must reject these lies, defend humanitarian action, protect the 500+ volunteers sailing to break the siege, and act decisively to end the genocide in Gaza.
Undeterred, we continue toward Gaza, a people enduring relentless Israeli bombing, starvation, and mass displacement. The GS is guided by principles of peace, nonviolence, and Palestinian liberation-commitments every crew member has undertaken through extensive training and preparation. The flotilla is accompanied by legal and medical support boats to safeguard participants and guarantee full transparency throughout the mission.
