Activist Flotilla Departs Turkey in Renewed Attempt to Breach Gaza Naval Blockade

Ships from the Global Sumud Flotilla set sail for a third time on Thursday from the southern Turkish resort of Marmaris. The vessels departed on May 14, 2026, with the aim of delivering aid to Gaza and challenging Israel's naval blockade. Activists gathered at the port before departure, according to images captured by Reuters photographer Dilara Senkaya.

Earlier attempts by the Global Sumud Flotilla to deliver aid to Gaza were intercepted by Israel in international waters. The flotilla had previously departed from Spain on April 12. Israeli forces intercepted vessels in the group that departed from Spain on April 12, taking more than 100 pro-Palestinian activists to Crete and detaining two others in Israel.

The previous flotilla assembled by the same organisation was halted by Israel's military in October. Israeli forces arrested Greta Thunberg and more than 450 participants in October. Susan Abdullah, a member of the flotilla's steering committee, said the mission remained urgent even as global attention had shifted elsewhere, including to the impact of the Iran war.

“It's very important that what's happening around the world is not allowing us to see Gaza for the situation as it is. The blockade is still on. The aid is not coming in.”

“— Susan Abdullah, a member of the flotilla's steering committee Katy Davidson, an activist from the British delegation on the flotilla, said the group had previously been intercepted between Sicily and Crete. She criticised the response of the British government, which she said "did nothing". Davidson added that even if the flotilla failed to reach Gaza, any interception would still help draw attention to the situation. Turkish activist Seyma Denli Yalvac said limited media coverage would not deter the group.”