FLOTILLA AIMS TO BREAK GAZA'S BLOCKADE

Civilian fleet seeks to deliver supplies to Palestinians

- MANDILAKHE TSHWETE

SOUTH Africa's Palestine solidarity activists have embarked on the Global Sumud Flotilla, a historic international coalition representing 44 countries, aiming to deliver lifesaving humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The civilian fleet, now mobilising more than 40 ships, is the largest maritime effort since Israel's blockade of Gaza began in 2007. The flotilla has faced threats from Israeli National Security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, who has falsely labelled participants as "terrorists" and warned of boat seizures.

Organisers strongly condemned these threats, calling them a blatant violation of international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions, noting | that Israel has long used such tactics to criminalise, brutalise, and silence peaceful protests and humanitarian solidarity with Palestinians.

The flotilla's organisers emphasised that it is a lawful humanitarian mission, carrying urgently needed food, water, and medical supplies to Palestinians enduring famine, a spiraling health crisis, and systematic dehumanisation caused by Israel's illegal siege.

The South African delegation, which has already set sail, is expected to collect Mandla Mandela in Tunis before meeting other international vessels in international waters.