Israel/OPT: States must ensure safe passage for Global Sumud Flotilla as a civilian mission challenging ongoing genocide

11 April 2026

On 12 April 2026, the Global Sumud Flotilla will once again set sail in a coordinated civilian initiative aim at breaking Israel's unlawful blockade on the occupied Gaza Strip.

Featuring more than 70 boats and 3,000 participants from 100 countries, including 17 Australians, the Spring 2026 mission includes a dedicated medical fleet of 1,000 healthcare professionals, carrying vital supplies to help Gaza's decimated healthcare system. The mission seeks to deliver assistance to Palestinians enduring Israel's ongoing genocide and decades of cruel apartheid.

Responding to the launch of the Spring 2026 mission, Amnesty International Australia's Occupied Palestinian Territory Spokesperson, Mohamed Duar, said:

"The Global Sumud Flotilla is a symbol of international solidarity and people power. Palestinians in Gaza have endured genocide for well over two years, and an inhumane, brutal blockade approaching its 19th year.

"Israel's ongoing genocide in Gaza has seen the deliberate obstruction of aid, engineering a famine at a scale, speed and severity never witnessed before in history.

"The Australian Government, together with other states and Israeli authorities, must ensure safe passage and protection for these peaceful activists and human rights defenders.

"The Flotillas are a testament to the steadfast, brave and courageous heroes who dare to resist and are a reminder that the world cannot continue to look away.

"The Australian Government, together with other states and Israeli authorities, must ensure safe passage and protection for these peaceful activists and human rights defenders. There must be no repeat of Israel's unlawful interceptions, arbitrary detentions, and inhumane treatment seen in 2025, nor the abuse inflicted on activists last October. The Australian Government must do everything in its power to ensure the safety of the 17 Australians on board.

"This genocide, the brutal and unlawful occupation, the siege on Gaza, and the apartheid regime must end. Israel's impunity must end. Those responsible must be held to account."

Background

At least 723 Palestinians in Gaza, the majority civilians, have been killed since the so-called ceasefire and the overwhelming majority of the population remains displaced, while the Israeli forces remain fully deployed across nearly 60% of the Gaza Strip, which is effectively a no-go zone for Palestinians.

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