Organizers of the Global Flotilla Sumud have announced plans for a major land and sea mission in 2026 aimed at challenging Israel’s blockade of Gaza and delivering humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in the territory.

The announcement was made during a press conference hosted by the Nelson Mandela Foundation, marking what organizers described as the first public briefing for the coalition’s 2026 Spring Mission. The flotilla is scheduled to depart from Barcelona, Spain, on March 29, 2026.

According to the organizers, the mission seeks to “break Israel’s illegal siege” on Gaza, deliver humanitarian aid, and stand in solidarity with Palestinians “in their pursuit of justice, safety, and sovereignty.” The announcement comes amid reports that more than 500 people have been killed in Gaza since the start of what was supposed to be a ceasefire.

Large participation expected

Sumeyra Akdeniz Ordu, one of the organizers, said the upcoming flotilla would be significantly larger than previous efforts.

“We are coming with the announcement that we will sail this time with thousands of participants, including more than a thousand doctors, nurses, and health professionals, and over 100 boats,” Sumeyra said. “We are inviting participants from every nation, from every country.”

Sumeyra added that the 2026 mission would include medical personnel, ecobuilders, and war crimes investigators, elements she described as distinguishing the new initiative from previous flotillas. “We were successful in the previous mission,” she said.

The Global Flotilla Coalition has organized similar missions in the past to challenge the blockade of Gaza. Several previous flotillas have been intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters, leading to diplomatic tensions and, in some cases, detentions of activists.

Read more: Israel continues to violate Gaza ceasefire after the US announced the launch of phase two

Mandla Mandela, grandson of the late South African President Nelson Mandela, also addressed the press conference. Drawing parallels to South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle, he said international solidarity played a decisive role in ending apartheid.

“As South Africans, we owe our freedom to those simple men and women that crisscrossed the global community in support of our cause,” Mandla said. “We come together in the global flotilla acknowledging that collectively, across the globe, we can isolate apartheid Israel just as we did apartheid South Africa.”

Calls for global solidarity

Mandela called on solidarity groups, trade unions, and faith-based organizations to support the mission. “It is often said that the Palestinian cause is misunderstood to be an Islamic cause. It is not an Islamic cause. It is a humanity issue,” he said. “It is for those who want to stand for justice and dignity for all.”

On the last flotilla mission, Mandla Mandela was among those arrested by Israeli authorities and later deported to Jordan, along with other participants and activists. Despite the arrests and deportations, the movement remains determined to continue highlighting the ongoing plight of Palestinians in Gaza.

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