The convoy, organized under the name Global Sumud, left European ports this week carrying food, medicine, and temporary shelters for civilians in Gaza. Organizers say the effort is both a practical relief mission and a symbolic challenge to Israel’s blockade, which has been in place since 2007.
The Israeli government has accused the flotilla of links to Hamas, claiming terrorist ties to a flotilla ship owner Saif Abu Kashk, which organizers dispute. The flotilla rejected the idea of using intermediaries for aid delivery, arguing that proposals for unloading aid in Ashkelon would undermine their control and legitimacy.
Thunberg, who has expanded her activism in recent years to include broader human rights causes, argued that recognition of Palestinian statehood “is not enough” and must be backed by concrete steps to alleviate suffering. Israeli officials, however, insist the blockade is necessary to prevent weapons smuggling and have not ruled out intercepting the flotilla before it reaches shore.
The mission coincides with Trump’s announcement of a 20-point peace framework for Gaza, unveiled alongside Netanyahu on Monday. The proposal requires Hamas to release all remaining hostages within 72 hours of acceptance and outlines a phased Israeli withdrawal under a new interim authority. Trump positioned himself at the center of the deal, pledging to chair what he called a “Board of Peace” to oversee implementation.
The flotilla consists of activists, medical professionals, and volunteers from 39 to 46 countries, featuring notable participants like Barcelona mayor Ada Colau, Spanish actor Eduardo Fernandez, Irish actor Liam Cunningham, and Moroccan activist Ayoub Habraoui (representing the Moroccan delegation). The Italian NGO Emergency provides a medical vessel, while national governments, including Italy and Spain, offer support without direct intervention. Turkey’s Defense Ministry monitors the situation and has aided activists from a vessel with a leak.
Netanyahu emphasized that Israel would not recognize Palestinian statehood under the plan and signaled that Israeli forces would remain active in most of the territory. He and Trump both warned Hamas that failure to comply with the proposal would invite decisive military action.
Hamas leaders have expressed skepticism, describing the ultimatum as unrealistic and rushed. Aid groups say the timing underscores the stakes: either humanitarian supplies begin to flow through new corridors or hostilities escalate again.
