An international aid flotilla, including prominent activist Greta Thunberg, is preparing to depart from Greek waters on Friday, September 26, 2025, setting a course for Gaza. Organizers are determined to challenge Israel’s naval blockade of the besieged enclave, despite stern warnings from Israeli authorities who have vowed to prevent the boats from reaching their destination.
Known as the Global Sumud Flotilla, this initiative comprises approximately 50 civilian vessels carrying lawyers, parliamentarians, and various activists. Their mission is to break Israel’s ongoing blockade of Gaza, an effort staunchly opposed by the Israeli government.
The flotilla’s journey across the Mediterranean has already heightened international tensions. Earlier this week, the convoy reported being attacked by drones, though fortunately, no injuries occurred. In response, Italy and Spain have dispatched naval ships to offer assistance to their citizens and other European participants on board.
While Greece has guaranteed the flotilla’s safe passage through its immediate waters, the departure on Friday will see the boats re-enter international territory in the eastern Mediterranean. Organizers anticipate their arrival in Gaza early next week.
A Beacon of Hope and Solidarity
Israel, maintaining its naval blockade of Gaza, has stated unequivocally that the flotilla will not be allowed to pass, asserting that the endeavor would only serve Hamas. The flotilla, however, has accused Israel of being responsible for the recent drone attack. While Israel’s foreign ministry did not directly address these accusations, it extended an offer for the flotilla to deliver humanitarian aid for Israeli forces to transport into Gaza, warning of consequences if this proposal is rejected.
The precise timing of the flotilla’s departure from Greece remains uncertain. Organizers announced on Friday, September 26, that one of the lead vessels experienced a mechanical issue, but preparations for departure are still underway.
Speaking from a boat off the Greek island of Crete on Thursday, September 25, Greta Thunberg emphasized the mission’s broader purpose. “We are not just delivering humanitarian aid. We are trying to deliver hope and solidarity, to send a strong message that the world stands with Palestine,” she stated.
Italy had previously put forward a compromise: aid supplies could be offloaded in Cyprus and then transferred to the Catholic Church’s Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem for distribution within Gaza.
Despite Israel’s support for this alternative, the flotilla ultimately rejected the Italian proposal.
Italy’s Warning to Participants
Italy’s foreign ministry has issued a clear message to its citizens participating in the flotilla, strongly advising against continuing the mission. They have also offered assistance for repatriation should activists choose to disembark in Greece.
The ministry clarified that the Italian navy ship deployed in the region would only intervene for sea rescue or humanitarian operations, stressing that it would “under no circumstances” engage in any defensive or offensive military actions against any party.
The ministry cautioned activists, stating, “Whoever continues with the mission takes on all risks and is personally responsible for them.” This development comes as the conflict in Gaza continues; Israel initiated its nearly two-year war in response to the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas militants, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages, according to Israeli reports.
Since that time, the Israeli military offensive has reportedly claimed the lives of over 65,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities. The conflict has also led to widespread destruction of buildings, multiple displacements of the population, and a severe famine in parts of the territory.