The Global Sumud Flotilla, a large international convoy aiming to break the blockade on Gaza, has rerouted to Tunisia’s northern port city of Bizerte due to rough seas. Organizers confirmed Thursday that the decision was made for safety reasons, with the group now set to depart for Gaza on Friday.
Mohamed Amin Bennour, a steering committee member, explained that sailing directly from Sidi Bou Said near Tunis was too dangerous for smaller boats. Fellow organizer Nabil Chennoufi emphasized that the change was weather-related, not linked to security concerns, and noted that Tunisian authorities had already granted full clearance for the flotilla.
The convoy, described as the largest of its kind so far, includes around 36 vessels carrying 500–700 activists from more than 40 countries. Additional ships from Italy and Spain are expected to join en route, alongside an Egyptian vessel cleared to participate.
On Wednesday, thousands of Tunisians rallied in Sidi Bou Said waving Tunisian and Palestinian flags, voicing support for the mission and condemning Israel’s blockade. Unlike past flotilla efforts that involved single vessels intercepted by Israel, this multi-boat effort marks a new stage in attempts to challenge the blockade and deliver humanitarian supplies to Palestinians.
The humanitarian mission comes as Gaza endures severe famine conditions under Israel’s continued closure of crossings and military offensive. According to UN data, famine has already taken hold in northern Gaza and risks spreading further. Since October 2023, Israeli attacks have killed more than 64,600 Palestinians, devastating the enclave’s infrastructure and population.
Israel also faces mounting international legal pressure. Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes, while the International Court of Justice continues to hear genocide accusations related to the war.
Despite these challenges, flotilla organizers say their mission will proceed with determination, framing it as both a humanitarian effort and a political statement of solidarity with Gaza.