With 65 ships participating... The Global Resilience Flotilla prepares to set sail from Italy to Gaza

The Global Resilience Flotilla has completed all logistical and technical arrangements in Italian ports, in preparation for setting sail on Sunday on a sea voyage aimed at breaking the Israeli blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip. This civilian initiative, which launched its first version in 2025, confirms the continuity of international popular efforts to deliver urgent humanitarian aid to the besieged population.

The current journey, named 'Spring Mission 2026', includes wide participation from civil society organizations, human rights activists, and volunteers of various nationalities. The ships began their journey from the Spanish city of Barcelona on April 12th, before arriving at the Italian island of Sicily and docking in Augusta port to complete final preparations.

Informed sources confirmed that activists spent the last hours loading the ships with essential needs, including large quantities of flour, bread, and potable water, in addition to fruits, vegetables, and the necessary fuel to complete the journey. These shipments aim to alleviate the severity of the escalating humanitarian crisis in the Strip, which suffers from a severe shortage of basic necessities.

Maria Elena D'Alia, the flotilla's spokesperson in Italy, stated that the crews and ships are in full readiness within Augusta port, awaiting the completion of administrative procedures related to visas and departure permits. She explained that the departure of the ships will begin on Sunday afternoon, noting that the large number of participating ships may require additional time to organize the sailing movement.

The number of ships participating in this mission reaches approximately 65 ships and boats, which represents a significant increase compared to previous attempts. The flotilla is scheduled to head in its first step towards Greek ports, where they will be used as a temporary stop to assess the security and field conditions in the Mediterranean basin.

The flotilla's leadership attributed the decision to stop in Greece to the geopolitical uncertainty dominating the region, especially in light of current military tensions. Organizers will closely monitor developments to ensure the safety of participants before proceeding with the sea route directly to the shores of the Gaza Strip.

For his part, activist Abdel Latif Fasli stated that preparations have been completed at all levels, emphasizing that the main goal is to reach Gaza no matter the challenges. Fasli called on the international community to provide support and assistance to this humanitarian convoy, which seeks to break the isolation imposed on more than two million Palestinians.

Fasli pointed out that the flotilla represents a global humanitarian tableau, bringing together individuals from diverse ideological and political backgrounds who have set aside their differences for a just cause. He added that the great diversity of participants reflects the growing international solidarity with the Palestinian people and the rejection of policies of starvation and siege.

This journey is the second attempt by the Global Resilience Flotilla, after a previous experience in September of last year. Organizers have benefited from the previous experience by developing new strategies and increasing the number of boats and activists to ensure the humanitarian message is delivered more strongly and effectively.

The first attempt in September 2025 saw the participation of 42 boats and 462 activists, but it faced violent military interception. Despite these risks, current participants affirm they are not afraid of any potential Israeli military intervention, considering their mission peaceful and legal under international law.

These movements recall what happened in early October 2025, when Israeli naval forces attacked the flotilla's ships in international waters. That attack resulted in the arrest of hundreds of international solidarity activists and the confiscation of the ships, before Israeli authorities began forcibly deporting them to their home countries.

This journey comes at a time when the Gaza Strip is experiencing catastrophic conditions due to a continuous siege since 2007, which has intensified during the ongoing war of extermination since October 2023. Military operations have led to massive destruction of infrastructure and residential areas, leaving nearly 1.5 million people homeless.

Field reports indicate that the Strip suffers from a near-complete collapse of the health system, with most hospitals out of service due to bombing or lack of fuel. Israeli authorities impose strict restrictions on the entry of medicines and medical equipment, threatening the lives of thousands of wounded and sick who lack necessary care.

Through this mission, the Resilience Flotilla seeks to once again highlight the humanitarian suffering in Gaza and demand that the international community take effective action to end the siege. The organizers of the initiative affirm that the continuation of sea voyages is a popular pressure tool to break the international silence regarding the crimes and systematic starvation suffered by Palestinians.

Our goal is for the people of Gaza to achieve their freedom, and people from all over the world with different ideas and political affiliations have gathered here to achieve this single goal.