Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Below are answers to the most common questions about WOFA’s action, structure, and ways to get involved. If your question isn’t listed, feel free to contact us directly.
WOFA Switzerland is a non-governmental citizen-led initiative created in 2025 as part of the Global Sumud Flotilla. We are the Swiss delegation of an international movement bringing together people from over 40 countries around the world to peacefully challenge the blockade of Gaza by sea and deliver urgent humanitarian aid.
Our action is rooted in humanitarian and non-violent values. In coordination with other flotilla delegations, we aim to bring together as many vessels as possible to break the blockade, uphold international law, and demand justice and dignity for the Palestinian people.
We are an independent citizen movement, based on principles of shared governance and international solidarity. The president of our association is Dr. Hicham El Ghaoui, a committed physician who has taken part in several humanitarian missions in Gaza and is driven by the belief that collective action can make a difference.
Following the Global March to Gaza, Drs. Yacine Haffaf (France) and Hicham El Ghaoui (Switzerland) decided to continue the action by sea. This led to the creation of Waves of Freedom, a non-profit association designed to structure this citizen mobilization, ensure the independence of the initiative, and provide a transparent framework for financial support.
Waves Of Freedom:
The Global Sumud Flotilla is a coordinated, peaceful fleet of vessels chartered to break the illegal blockade of Gaza. It is a coalition made up of delegations from over 40 countries. Waves of Freedom represents the Swiss delegation within this international movement, which refuses to remain silent in the face of genocide.
Sumud is an Arabic word meaning resilience or steadfastness. It embodies the spirit of resistance in the face of injustice. The Global Sumud Flotilla embraces this philosophy — a transnational mobilization led by citizens from around the world, united across borders to defend human dignity when institutions remain silent.
No. We are completely independent, non-partisan, and non-religious. We represent no political party, religious affiliation, or ideology. We represent citizens — individuals, mothers, students, workers, doctors, retirees — who believe in peace, dignity, and justice for all.
- Help fund the boats and humanitarian aid / To support our action : Click here
- Join the movement or contribute your expertise / To get involved : Click here
- Share our content on social media and with your community
- Help organize local actions or fundraising events in Switzerland
- Participate in events, demonstrations, and awareness-raising activities
There are three secure ways to contribute financially to our citizen-led movement:
Via QR Code
Scan the QR code below with your phone camera or banking app to make a direct donation:
Via Bank Transfer
If you prefer traditional banking, you can download our official banking details here :
📄 [Download our Bank Details PDF]
Via Online Fundraising Platform
Make a fast and secure contribution through our official campaign page on HappyPot : : [Click Here]
Every donation helps fund medical and humanitarian aid for Gaza, as well as logistics, legal coordination, and diplomatic efforts. All contributions are managed transparently, with no influence from corporations, political parties, or governments. This is a movement by the people, for the people !
For press releases or media requests, email us at presse@waves-of-freedom.ch
Funds collected will be used to purchase five boats, equip them with medicines, medical supplies, and survival essentials, primarily infant formula, and cover the logistical costs related to this humanitarian mission. We are fully committed to financial transparency.
If the mission cannot be completed, all funds will be transferred to other registered humanitarian organizations working for Palestine.
Our work relies primarily on the support of engaged citizens. We receive no direct funding from governments, corporations, or political parties. All funds are managed transparently, through an independent oversight process. Budgets, donations, and expenditures are tracked, verified, and made publicly available.
To support and finance the movement : Click here
The Swiss delegation is actively involved in the Global Sumud Flotilla and coordinates Swiss volunteers participating in the mission. This includes :
- Mobilizing medical, legal, and logistics teams
- Organizing awareness and mobilization efforts within Switzerland
- Fundraising for the boats and humanitarian aid
- Supporting broader international
coordination with other flotilla delegations
Each person involved embodies a non-violent commitment grounded in values of peace, justice, and solidarity. The delegation defends humanitarian law, human dignity, and the need to act wherever fundamental rights are being violated.
Waves of Freedom Switzerland operates as part of a coordinated and structured international movement. Each delegation, including ours, is organized into specialized teams:
- Logistics & Operations
- Security
- Legal & Human Rights
- Finance & Transparency
- Media & Communication
- Human Resources & Recruitment
Each team is led by volunteers and collaborates closely with international partners and NGOs.
Because Gaza remains one of the most urgent humanitarian crises in the world :
- Over 2 million people live under siege
- 97% of the water is undrinkable
- Food, fuel, and medical supplies are critically scarce
- The UN has declared Gaza “unlivable”
- An estimated 440,000 Palestinians have been killed
Since 2023, the situation has dramatically worsened, with widespread bombings, famine, and mass displacement. Waves of Freedom Switzerland responds with concrete action where diplomacy and state actors have failed.
Our primary goal is to create global moral pressure and deliver humanitarian aid.
If the flotilla is blocked
- The obstruction will be visible to the entire world
- Diplomats, lawyers, and journalists will denounce the denial
- It will increase international scrutiny and strengthen calls to lift the blockade
Whether the boats reach Gaza or not, the world will see who is blocking aid and who is taking action.
All delegations are supported by an international legal team specializing in :
- Human rights and international humanitarian law
- Civil protection for peaceful actions
- Diplomatic negotiation
Every necessary precaution is taken to protect participants. If peaceful delegates are blocked or arrested, it will trigger immediate international attention, legal response, and media coverage. This visibility is a key element of our strategy.
The impact of this flotilla goes far beyond delivering humanitarian aid. It is a strong, symbolic, and unprecedented act: for the first time, a large-scale international citizen movement is organizing to challenge a blockade recognized as illegal under international law.
Even if not all boats reach Gaza, each attempt is essential. Every effort helps break the silence, raise public awareness, and pressure political leaders. The action imposes logistical, diplomatic, and media costs on those enforcing the blockade, while affirming that civil society refuses to remain passive in the face of injustice.
Our goal is also to mobilize public opinion, awaken consciences, and confront the inaction of states.
Yes. Under international humanitarian law and maritime law, civilians have the right to receive humanitarian aid, especially when facing severe deprivation and conditions of siege. Unarmed vessels carrying such aid are entitled to safe passage.
In June, during the Madleen mission of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, UN experts reaffirmed these rights, stating: “The people of Gaza have the right to receive aid in their own territorial waters, even under occupation, and the coalition vessel has the right to freely navigate international waters to reach the population of Gaza. Israel must not obstruct its freedom of navigation, long recognized under international law.”
Absolutely. Nonviolence is the foundation of our action.
All our missions are peacefully organized, with no attempt to cross borders by force. Every delegation is trained in civil resistance and works closely with humanitarian, medical, and legal experts. We engage in open dialogue with authorities and diplomats before taking any steps.