PUTRAJAYA: The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) is scheduled to depart from Barcelona, Spain, on April 12, carrying an international coalition determined to challenge Israel's siege on Gaza and respond to the escalating humanitarian and political crisis faced by Palestinians.
The mission will bring together more than 80 boats and over 1,000 participants from around the world, including Bernama journalists and photographers. It combines coordinated maritime action with synchronised global mobilisation on land, linking solidarity efforts, legal advocacy and grassroots pressure across multiple countries.
GSF said in a statement today that the flotilla is being launched because the cost of inaction is too high.
"As Gaza endures an intensifying blockade, violence and deprivation, the mission is a principled, non-violent intervention and a defence of human dignity. It is a call for humanitarian access and a demand for international accountability.
"It is a direct challenge to walls, blockades and systemic violence, and a catalyst for coordinated political and solidarity action worldwide," it said.
GSF added that the 2026 flotilla is a carefully structured civilian intervention at a time of escalating violence and humanitarian crisis.
Alongside the core fleet, the mission includes specialised civilian personnel, such as doctors, teachers and eco-builders, prepared to support urgent relief, community care and early-stage reconstruction in direct partnership with Palestinians.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was reported in January as saying that Malaysia would remain actively involved in international humanitarian efforts to defend the rights of the Palestinian people amid the worsening crisis in Gaza.
He said the Madani government would take part in Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0 as part of a broader international moral effort to uphold justice and humanitarian rights, regardless of borders, race or religion.
In August last year, Malaysia sent 34 activists to join the GSF, with 23 continuing the voyage into Red Zone 3 towards Gaza.
However, on Oct 2, all 23 Malaysian volunteers were detained by Israeli authorities before being taken to Ketziot Prison.
After several days, they were released and returned to Malaysia on Oct 7. - NST
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