After more than 17 years of efforts, the “Steadfast Fleet” marks the 38th attempt in a series of humanitarian missions aimed at breaking the siege imposed by Israeli occupation forces on the Gaza Strip since 2007.
Over the years, more than 37 ships have tried to reach the Strip, with only the first five attempts succeeding, while all subsequent vessels faced Israeli restrictions and piracy. The most recent cases were the ship Madeleine last June and Hanzala a month later.
This time, the Steadfast Fleet carries a record number of boats and volunteers, surpassing the total of all previous attempts, reflecting the accumulation of global solidarity efforts and the participants’ determination to achieve their goal of breaking the siege.
Brazilian activist Tiago Avila, who has taken part in many of these campaigns, stated that the primary motivation is the suffering of the Palestinian people under a siege that has lasted 18 years. He emphasized that their mission is peaceful, aiming to encourage global solidarity and pressure governments to sever ties with the Israeli occupation.
He added that the goal is not only maritime access but also creating a political and symbolic impact by highlighting the strength of humanitarian solidarity.
Activist Yasmin Ajar, a crew member of the Madeleine, stressed that the number of active participants is the main distinguishing factor for the Steadfast Fleet. She noted that the mission is not limited to sailing; it also involves demonstrations, boycotts, and raising awareness globally.
She affirmed that sustained solidarity, despite difficulties and repression, represents a cumulative force capable of achieving symbolic and political results, even if progress appears slow.
Participants note that the current fleet is more than just a maritime mission; it represents a “global uprising” rejecting violence and international complicity. They insist that, regardless of arrests or harassment, they will continue their efforts to show solidarity with Gaza and break the siege.
Thus, the Steadfast Fleet represents a new phase in global humanitarian activism, combining determination to confront the occupation with expanding international solidarity, aiming for a symbolic and political victory that ensures a humanitarian corridor for Palestinians in Gaza
The attack on the Global Sumuad Flotilla constitutes a grave violation of
international law,
including the principles of freedom of navigation, and may amount to an
act of aggression and a war crime
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