Sun Sep 14 20:31:30 UTC 2025: ## News Article: Gaza-Bound Flotilla Sails from Tunisia After Attacks, Delays

**Bizerte, Tunisia** – The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) has finally set sail from Tunisia towards Gaza, carrying activists and humanitarian aid in a bid to break Israel’s long-standing blockade. The convoy, comprised of multiple vessels, departed from the port city of Bizerte after facing delays and facing attacks earlier this week.

The flotilla’s departure was initially scheduled earlier, but was postponed after two of its ships, the *Family* and the *Alma*, were struck in separate drone attacks while docked in Sidi Bou Said. While no injuries were reported, the incidents added to the already tense atmosphere surrounding the mission.

“The global flotilla has set sail… towards the Gaza Strip, its main destination, without any scheduled stops,” reported Al Jazeera’s Hassan Massoud, who is aboard the *Shireen Abu Akleh* boat. The ships are carrying food and other vital humanitarian supplies, with organizers emphasizing the mission’s non-violent nature. “Volunteers and participants have said this mission is non-violent; they only aim to open a corridor to deliver aid towards Palestinian people in Gaza.”

The GSF has attracted high-profile participants, including climate activist Greta Thunberg, Irish actor Liam Cunningham, and former Mayor of Barcelona Ada Colau. Notably, at least four Italian members of parliament are also participating, leading to diplomatic engagement from Rome.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stated that he had personally contacted his Israeli counterpart to ensure the safety and rights of the 58 Italian citizens aboard the flotilla, including the parliamentarians. “Our embassy in Tel Aviv, under my instruction, talked to the Israeli authorities about the respect of the rights for all the fellow citizens who are part of the flotilla, including among them several members of parliament,” Tajani said.

Organizers of the Global Sumud Flotilla, named after the Arabic word for “resilience,” see this mission as a significant challenge to Israel’s blockade of Gaza’s coastline. Their voyage is taking place amid growing international concern, with the United Nations warning of catastrophic hunger facing over half a million Palestinians in Gaza. Aid groups and legal experts have also raised alarms, describing Israel’s war on Gaza as a potential genocide.

The attacks on the *Family* and *Alma* this week follow previous incidents involving similar aid flotillas. In June, Israeli naval forces intercepted the vessel *Madleen* in international waters, seizing its cargo and detaining the crew. In May, the *Conscience* was damaged by drone strikes near Malta, forcing it to abandon its journey. These previous incidents raise concerns about the potential challenges the GSF will face as it approaches Gaza.

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