Global Sumud Flotilla vows to defy Israeli ‘siege’

As the world closely watches the Global Sumud Flotilla, participants have reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to breaking what they describe as Israel’s siege and ongoing assault on Palestinians.

More than 400 volunteers, including activists Greta Thunberg, Mandla Mandela and Zukiswa Wanner, were forcibly removed from their boats after the humanitarian convoy was intercepted yesterday.

The flotilla — carrying food, baby formula, medicine, and volunteers from 47 countries — had departed from Barcelona in August and was due to arrive in Gaza on Thursday.

Organisers allege they were attacked with water cannons, sprayed with skunk water and had their communications jammed before being stopped in international waters.

According to the Global Sumud Flotilla group, several boats were reportedly stopped by a chain-like barrier in international waters where Israel has no jurisdiction.

They say starvation is not just collateral damage in Gaza but is one of Israel’s weapons of war.

“To block food, deny water, and steal aid from the hands of those who bring it, is not only a crime against international law. It is a crime against life itself.”

While the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) says it is in constant communication with the Flotilla, President Cyril Ramaphosa has joined the masses in condemning Israel’s actions.

Ramaphosa says the stopping of humanitarian aid is contrary to international law and violates the sovereignty of every nation whose flag was flown on the dozens of vessels in the flotilla.

“This action also violates an International Court of Justice injunction that humanitarian aid must be allowed to flow unimpeded. South Africa calls on Israel to ensure that the life-saving cargo transported by this flotilla reaches the people of Gaza, as the flotilla represents solidarity with Gaza, not confrontation with Israel,” the President said.

The President has also called for the immediate release of South Africans and other nationals abducted as part of the Israeli authorities’ interception.

To date, over 66,000 people have been killed in Gaza, including more than 400 who died of starvation.

Protests in solidarity with the flotilla have erupted across Spain, Italy, and Germany.

BREAKING: 🚨 Protests Across the World in Solidarity with the GLOBAL SUMUD FLOTILLA pic.twitter.com/xWJDC31zPT

— Khalissee (@Kahlissee) October 2, 2025

BREAKING: Italian Unions and protesters kept their promises to block EVERYTHING if any harm was made to the Global Sumud Flotilla.

Naples, Italy, was the first to block the train station and now protests have also started in Rome. pic.twitter.com/SH0RpIHpe0

— Sulaiman Ahmed (@ShaykhSulaiman_) October 1, 2025

🎥 | Students in Barcelona, in favor of Gaza, call for a boycott of businesses such as Burger King, Starbucks, and Carrefour

Around 6,500 people took to the streets on Thursday at midday to reach the Catalan government’s headquarters

More: https://t.co/cuUTLgqkkT pic.twitter.com/eulbkN138O

— Catalan News (@catalannews) October 2, 2025

🇬🇷🇵🇸| The people in Athens have also flooded the streets, outside the state department, to protest the illegal seizing of Flotilla.

People have also come out in Italy Germany & Spain.#AllEyesOnGlobalSumudFlotilla pic.twitter.com/Uz8k8wONwc

— Shahid Jafry-𓂆🇵🇸 (@iShahidJafry) October 1, 2025

RIGHT NOW: Glasgow Central Station

The Global Sumud Flotilla is the most incredible form of direct action we have seen in our lifetime. Protests are growing globally, take action wherever you are! #EndTheSiege #FreePalestine 🇵🇸 pic.twitter.com/Oq7bKm3YcP

— Glasgow Stop the War (@GlasgowStopWar) October 2, 2025