Pakistanis, global activists reach Tunisia to sail for Gaza on Sumud Flotilla
Swedish activist Greta Thunberg departs with other activists on the Global Sumud Flotilla, a humanitarian expedition to Gaza, from the port of Barcelona, Spain August 31, 2025. The Sagrada Familia is seen in the background.PHOTO: REUTERS
Pakistanis are among activists from 44 nations who have reached Tunisia to join the Global Sumud Flotilla, an international convoy aiming to deliver aid to Gaza and defy Israel’s blockade.
Senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan is among those on board, travelling with campaigners from Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Germany, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Kuwait, the Maldives, Luxembourg, Oman, Norway, Spain, Thailand and several other countries.
عالمی قافلہ استقامت/گلوبل صمود فلوٹیلا برائے غزہ تیونس پہنچ گیا،کل ہم تیونس کے بندرگاہ سیدی بوسعید بندرگاہ پر جھازوں/کشتیوں میں منتقل ہوجائیں گے،اور پھر یہ انسانی تاریخ کا سب سے بڑا محاصرہ شکن امدادی کاروان غزہ کی طرف روانہ ہوجائے گا،اسرائیل دھمکیوں پر دھمکیاں دے رہا ہے لیکن کسی… pic.twitter.com/41V0dzXZxK
According to the flotilla’s official X account, the first wave of ships has arrived in Tunisia, where vessels are gathering before sailing on towards Gaza.
Waiting to move on
The aid vessels and campaigners docked in Tunis on Sunday, 7 September, marking the final stop before resuming their journey east. Crowds of Tunisians welcomed the first boats arriving from Spain at the port of Sidi Bou Said, near the capital.
Organisers said around 20 vessels are expected to dock in Tunisia over the next two days before setting off again.
“The ships that left Spain have started entering Tunisian waters,” Wael Nawar, a steering committee member of the Maghreb flotilla, told Anadolu. He added that Tunisian vessels will join the convoy when it departs on Wednesday, with additional boats linking up off the Italian coast.
The first wave of ships just arrived to Tunisia. All eyes on Gaza https://t.co/HU2brgkhuW
Around 150 activists are taking part, including Tunisians, Turkish citizens and campaigners from across Europe, Africa and Asia. The first group set sail from Barcelona on 22 August, followed by another that departed Genoa, Italy, last week.
Humanitarian mission
Organisers say the mission seeks to draw global attention to the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. International monitors declared famine in northern Gaza last month, while Israel has kept the territory under tight blockade since March, permitting only limited aid deliveries.
Alhumdulillah, Pakistani Delegation is the part of global Sumud Flotilla. Millions of Ga-zans are facing severe starvation. Let's join hands to support this mission.💪#PakistanisSail4Gaza#AllEyesOnSumudFlotilla pic.twitter.com/DsPIaV5Jog
The conflict has devastated the enclave, with nearly 64,400 Palestinians killed since Israel’s military campaign began in October 2023.
today pakistan's vessel in the global sumud flotilla will depart from tunisia btw!!!!!! keep an eye out: @/pakpalforum on ig
The flotilla plans to remain in Tunis for two days to stock up on food and water before sailing for Gaza on 10 September.
An activist stands on a sailboat from the Global Sumud Flotilla humanitarian expedition as it prepares to set sail for Gaza at the port of Barcelona, Spain, August 30, 2025.PHOTO: REUTERS
International support
In Tunis, prominent figures including Nelson Mandela’s grandson, Mandla Mandela, and French actress Adèle Haenel joined volunteers preparing to continue the voyage.
The convoy, consisting of nearly 20 ships, hopes to break the Israeli siege and highlight what organisers describe as a “dire humanitarian catastrophe” in Gaza.