Tunis: Group A of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) humanitarian mission to Gaza, which departed from Barcelona, Spain, on Sept 1, is expected to arrive in Tunisia this Sunday (Sept 7). Malaysian Consultative Council of Islamic Organisations (MAPIM) activist Zulfadhli Khiruddin said the group was en route to its designated destination, while another separate group that encountered technical problems was expected to arrive slightly later.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, rough seas and strong winds were the main challenges faced at present, but all participants remained determined to continue the mission. ‘On this occasion, we seek prayers from all Malaysians for the mission to proceed smoothly, with the hope that we can break the blockade, reach Gaza, and deliver the aid we carry, thereby opening a humanitarian corridor to allow more assistance to be channelled. Most importantly, today marks 700 days of genocide in Gaza, and we must continue praying for our brothers and sisters in Palestine,’ he told Bernama today.
Zulfadhli further explained that throughout the voyage, all participants were required to undergo daily ‘non-violence training’, a specialised programme emphasising non-violent approaches when facing provocation, raids or detention. ‘This training is mandatory, and anyone who does not participate is not allowed on board. We continue these sessions daily on the ship to ensure we are always prepared to face any eventuality,’ he said.
A total of 24 ships departed from Barcelona Port for Gaza on Sept 1, involving over 1,000 international participants from 44 countries, including 15 Malaysian representatives. Meanwhile, the second group, which was supposed to depart from Catania, Italy, last Thursday, had to postpone its journey. The Organising Committee announced that the flotilla’s departure would only take place after Sept 7.
In total, the GSF involves nearly 70 vessels, with a single mission – to break the blockade on Gaza. The GSF brings together an international coalition from Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East, with all delegations emphasising the principle of non-violence and the role of the ships as a symbol of global solidarity with the Gaza crisis.