The vibrant streets of Tunis, Tunisia, are alive with energy as activists, volunteers, and supporters gather in the heart of the capital for a historic maritime mission aimed at breaking the Israeli blockade on Gaza. The Freedom Flotilla, which has been years in the making, set sail on Sunday with the firm intention of delivering humanitarian aid and making a strong political statement against the longstanding blockade of Gaza.
This new chapter in the fight for Gaza’s freedom emerges following widespread Arab and Muslim solidarity across the region, with Tunisia at the forefront of this movement. Habib Bourguiba Avenue, typically a hub for bustling city life, is now filled with hundreds of determined individuals from diverse backgrounds, all unified by one cause: to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people. These activists, embodying the spirit of the Arab world’s commitment to Palestine, are not merely observers of the crisis but active participants in the struggle for justice.
A Tunisian initiative expanding globally
The Maghreb Steadfastness Flotilla, initiated by the Joint Action Coordination for Palestine in Tunisia in mid-July 2025, builds upon the spirit of resistance shown during last year’s Arab Steadfastness Flotilla’s attempt to break the land blockade. The flotilla’s slogan, “Our sails are towards Gaza, and our goal is to break the blockade,” echoes the unwavering commitment of the Arab world to Palestine’s freedom.
Originally conceived as a Tunisian initiative, the flotilla quickly expanded into a larger international coalition. Alongside the Maghreb Steadfastness Flotilla, the Global Gaza Movement, the Malaysian Steadfastness Initiative, and the Freedom Flotilla—an international movement that has fought the naval blockade for over 15 years—have joined forces. This united front reflects the growing global momentum for Gaza’s liberation and the end of its blockade.
Tunisia’s Role and Preparations
In Tunisian ports, preparations for the fleet’s departure are well underway. Volunteers, civil society organizations, and key stakeholders like the Tunisian General Labour Union (UGTT) have worked tirelessly to organize the logistics, ensuring that the ships are stocked with medical supplies and humanitarian aid. The flotilla participants have also undergone rigorous training to prepare for any potential challenges, including arrest or violence by Israeli forces.
The movement has garnered immense public support in Tunisia, with mass demonstrations, solidarity tents, and widespread backing from civil society groups. UGTT has voiced its solidarity, describing the initiative as “the conscience of the nation in the face of injustice.”
Which Countries are Participating in the Freedom Flotilla?
Representatives from at least 44 countries are participating in the Soumoud flotilla, which left Spanish ports on August 31 and is heading to its stop in Tunisia before continuing to its final destination.
Broad Arab and International Participation
The participation in the flotilla is not limited to Tunisia. Around 120 delegates from Algeria, Libya, Morocco, and Mauritania make up the Maghreb delegation, joining activists from Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Yemen, Iraq, and Qatar. Their ranks include doctors, lawyers, parliamentarians, and media professionals, further emphasizing the seriousness of this humanitarian endeavor.
Notably, the flotilla has received significant support from Turkey, with a large delegation that includes opposition members of parliament. Malaysia is also playing a key role, sending activists, doctors, and journalists, along with participants from Indonesia, Pakistan, Senegal, and South Africa. These delegations add to the growing global movement for Palestinian solidarity, showcasing the unity of the international community in the face of Gaza’s suffering.
In total, the Freedom Flotilla boasts over 300 participants from 44 countries, including representatives from Europe, the Americas, and Australia. Their ships, which departed Barcelona in late August, are now converging with the vessels that set sail from Tunisia. This multinational coalition underscores the flotilla’s broader message: it is not just a humanitarian mission but a political statement condemning the global silence over the blockade and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
A Humanitarian Mission Amid Global Silence
The flotilla’s significance transcends its immediate goal of delivering aid. It sends a powerful message to the world about the failure of international institutions to address the suffering of the Palestinian people. By breaking the blockade, the participants hope to remind the world that Gaza is not alone and that the efforts of ordinary people can make a difference in the fight for justice.
Tunisian civil society organizations, including the UGTT, have played a pivotal role in ensuring the success of this movement. Their participation is a testament to the vibrancy and solidarity of the Tunisian people, who have embraced this initiative with open arms.
Departure and Future Goals
On Sunday, September 7, the first ships of the flotilla, which had set sail from Barcelona on August 31, were joined by Tunisian and Arab ships, marking the beginning of their collective journey towards Gaza. As they sail across the Mediterranean, these activists not only carry humanitarian aid but also powerful messages of hope and resistance. The Steadfastness Flotilla represents the unity of free peoples around a just humanitarian cause—affirming that Gaza is not alone and that the blockade is not an eternal fate. It is a wall that will one day fall, dismantled by the collective will of the people.
As the flotilla sets sail, the world watches, and the participants reaffirm their commitment to a future where Gaza is free, and its people no longer suffer under the weight of an unjust blockade. Their courage and determination offer hope in the face of despair and stand as a testament to the power of solidarity across borders.
