Undeterred by Zionist Threats, Sumud Flotilla Fleet Continues Voyage
The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) fleet, which had been holding position in Greek waters, has resumed its movement in the mission to breach the Gaza blockade in Palestine on Friday (8 May 2026). The 32 humanitarian ships, which were delayed due to an attack by Israeli Zionist naval forces on Wednesday (29 April 2026), are continuing their voyage to pick up participants waiting in Marmaris, Turkey.
In an official statement to all participants, the GSF noted that 12 humanitarian ships are also ready to sail from Marmaris to breach Gaza. The combined fleet from Greece and those waiting in Marmaris for a week brings the total humanitarian armada proceeding to Gaza to around 40 ships.
“Despite the illegal kidnapping of our comrades, the psychological warfare of the occupation, and threats of surveillance and military aggression, the Global Sumud Flotilla remains intact, and its goal stays the same: to stand with the Palestinian people in their struggle for freedom and to advocate for fundamental rights,” read the official GSF statement received by Republika in Marmaris, Turkey, on Friday (8 May 2026).
Two GSF voyage leaders, Thiago Avila and Seif Abukeshek, remain in Zionist Israeli custody. They were kidnapped following the Zionist naval forces’ attack on 22 humanitarian ships on Wednesday (29 May 2026). The other 176 voyage participants suffered torture but were handed over to Greek authorities for deportation to their home countries, with some choosing to return to Turkey to continue the mission.
Regarding the fate of Thiago and Seif, they are currently in special isolation cells at Shikma Prison. For over a week, they have undergone maximum interrogation on terrorism charges. They have endured physical and psychological torture. A low-level court in Ashkelon has extended their detention until Sunday (10 May 2026). In recent days, they have gone on hunger and thirst strike as a form of protest against the illegal detention by the Zionists.
Still Sailing
Republika met with Maimon Herawati, a member of the Global Sumud Flotilla Steering Committee (SC), in Marmaris, Turkey, on Friday (7 May 2026). She stated that the fleet’s movement from Greek waters to Turkey demonstrates the continued solidity of the mission to breach the Gaza blockade. She estimated the fleet’s arrival from Cretan waters in Marmaris on Friday night or Saturday (9 May 2026).
If unobstructed, the combined Global Sumud Flotilla from Marmaris will set sail together to Gazan waters on Sunday (10 May 2026) or Monday (11 May 2026).
“There has been a statement from Israel to stop the GSF. The GSF’s response is to ask all participating delegates to send letters to their respective countries requesting protection for their citizens,” said Maimon. She added that Indonesia’s participation through the Global Peace Convoy Indonesia (GPCI) remains consistent in joining the humanitarian voyage to Gaza.
Maimon said that at least nine GPCI volunteers are expected to join this continued voyage. She hopes the Indonesian government continues to pay attention by ensuring protection for its citizens involved in this humanitarian mission. From Marmaris, around 150 international volunteers are expected to join the continued mission. Most have backgrounds in medicine such as doctors and nurses, teachers, and other humanitarian activists.
At the Albatros Marina in Marmaris Port, volunteers have been loading logistics and aid onto the ships bound for Gaza since Wednesday (6 May 2026). The logistics include mostly medicines, baby milk, supplies for children and women, as well as heavy foods like rice, light snacks, and fruits.