As governments hesitate over the suffocating blockade of Gaza, a new flotilla of international activists has set sail to challenge Israel’s embargo and deliver urgently needed aid.

The Global Sumud Flotilla, launched by campaigners from North Africa, the Gulf, France, and Malaysia, faces not only the dangers of the sea but also alleged drone attacks off the Tunisian coast, incidents that organizers describe as deliberate acts of intimidation.

Gaza’s humanitarian crisis is severe: more than 63,000 Palestinians have died in the last 23 months, thousands while simply seeking relief.

The relentless bombardment has reduced entire neighborhoods to rubble and displaced most of the population, often multiple times. Despite orders from the International Court of Justice to halt starvation tactics, Israeli operations continue unabated.

Activists argue that these flotillas fill a gap left by international inaction, yet they expose participants to serious risks, including interception and violence, tragically highlighted by the deadly Mavi Marmara incident of 2010.

They urge governments to protect flotilla members, impose sanctions on Israeli officials responsible for abuses, and demand an immediate end to the blockade.

Ultimately, only strong and principled state action can end the suffering and bring accountability.