People of all nationalities worldwide are fed up with the lack of initiative being done to aid those who suffer in the gaza strip. Plenty of boycotts, global protests, and advocacy have gained momentum since 2020 as more and more people are educated and released from their initial oblivion. Hundreds of flotillas (a fleet of ships with cargo) have been attempting to reach Gaza’s port in the sheer, with their only motive to feed those who suffer from famine and lack of living essentials. Basic necessities such as clean drinking water, hot meals, and beds to sleep on are things that every person should have regardless of their geographical predisposition. So the question becomes, what now?
Firstly, it’s essential to understand the current political climate as well as the historical context of the longstanding Israeli-palestinian conflict. Conflict between Israel and Palestine has existed since the early 20th century as more Jews immigrated into British-controlled Palestine, which inevitably caused a substantial amount of tensions within the Arab population. Shortly after, Israel declared its independence in 1948 shortly after World War I had ended and the Ottoman empire collapsed which resulted in a large number of Palestinian (Nakba) refugees as a generationally painful consequence.
Israel’s success in the six-day war of 1967 had placed Palestine under occupation which was initially exclusive to Gaza. However, after Hamas (a palestinian sunni islamic organization) came into power, this occupation had only grown in power and size over Palestine; thereby terrorizing innocent civillians with torture tactics such as blockades, air-strikes, and overall great humanitarian crises. Movements today such as Flotilla Sumud Worldwide, work to provide Palestinians within the Gaza Strip basic essentials in the attempt to heal their wounds and give them meals to eat.
That is, if it can make it to the Gaza port.
The most recent fleet of naval ships started their planning and departure in July of 2025 in which the Global Sumud Flotilla officially launched with the support of another organization by the name of Freedom Flotilla Coalition. Within late August, the boats began departing from the Mediterranean ports with Italian, Spaniard, and Malaysian ships accompanying them shortly after. Although early September caused some ships to turn back due to severe weather, they resumed their journey after conditions subsided and reached North Tunisia.
The entire month of September was infiltrated by various incidents and attacks as the flotilla got closer to Gaza’s port. As the fleets crossed Tunisian waters, the ships “Family” and “Alma” were targeted by drones and as a result suffered damage. A multitude of drones had also used explosives and “chemical compounds” as the ships crossed Crete. As these attacks were occurring, European countries such as Italy and Spain deployed naval ships to monitor and assist the flotilla. By this time, fleets were reduced from 50 vessels to 44.
In the month of October, Israeli naval ships completely intercepted all fleets within international waters, a violation of United Nations conduct. The final ship Marinetee was the closest to Gaza a flotilla has ever reached Gaza, so much so that the civilians on the border could see a ship approaching them. Their excitement subsided as they made their way to tell their children the disheartening, humiliating news. Activists on board were processed and deported back to their home countries after being subjected to torture tactics, and global protests began to erupt to condemn Israeli government for its unlawful interception.
It’s crucial to keep in mind that although the Israeli government is enacting unethical methods of handling land disputes, it is not in anyone’s best interest to hate civilians of any nationality for their government’s actions, nor is this a productive course of action. A nation’s propaganda will inevitably entice civilians to pit one nationality against the other, but ultimately the only group of people that should be held accountable are the ones facilitating mass atrocities on innocent people daily. As the Amnesty International’s Secretary General, Agnès Callamard best puts it, “This interception is not just about blocking aid; it is a calculated act of intimidation intended to punish and silence critics of Israel’s genocide and its unlawful blockade on Gaza.”
