Gaza, Oct 02 (V7N) – Israel has seized at least eight ships of the Global Sea Flotilla (GSF), a large-scale humanitarian mission headed towards Gaza, detaining activists on board. Among them are internationally known figures such as climate activist Greta Thunberg and Bangladeshi human rights activist and photographer Shahidul Alam.

For the past two days, questions have been raised worldwide: What is this Sea Flotilla and what is its mission?

A Global Humanitarian Effort

The Global Sea Flotilla began as a worldwide civilian initiative to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza, which organizers describe as both “illegal” and part of an “ongoing genocide.” Doctors, lawyers, artists, sailors, and religious leaders from more than 40 countries joined the mission, emphasizing its non-political and non-state character.

Organizers describe it as “the world’s largest civilian naval mission” to open a humanitarian corridor to Gaza. Their stated objective is simple: justice, freedom, and dignity of human life.

How It Was Organized

According to its official announcement, small and large ships set sail for Gaza from various ports around the world during August and September 2025. The mission united several solidarity initiatives, including the Global March to Gaza, Sumud Convoy, Sumud Nusantara, and the Freedom Flotilla Coalition.

The flotilla’s journey was intended to showcase international solidarity with Palestinians, while also drawing global attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The Mission’s Purpose

Activists associated with the flotilla say their goal is twofold:

  1. To rally international public opinion in support of Gaza.

  2. To create diplomatic and moral pressure on Israel to lift its long-standing blockade.

In the words of the organizers: “We have only one commitment – justice, freedom, and the dignity of human life.”

Current Situation

As of Thursday, Israel has seized multiple vessels, including the ship Alma, and declared the flotilla a provocation. With prominent figures like Rima Hassan, Greta Thunberg, and Shahidul Alam on board, the crackdown has already drawn global media attention and is likely to intensify international debate over Gaza’s blockade.

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