The flotilla that has set out across the tumultuous sea toward besieged Gaza is not merely a convoy of aid ships. The Global Sumud Flotilla is a collective outcry of the world's conscience, a stark protest against humanity's abject failure. Its destination is a blockaded coast where millions are counting down the hours to death by starvation. Among them are thousands of children who understand no conflict, yet are cruel victims of hunger, malnutrition, and disease. This is a tragedy beyond imagination.
The world has observed the journey with courage and anxiety due to its encounters with the Israeli Navy, which intercepted 44 vessels between Wednesday and Friday. However, renowned Bangladeshi photographer Shahidul Alam said in a live that their vessels have separated from the main group of Sumud Flotilla and continue towards Gaza. Besides, new boats also commenced their journey. Regardless of the outcome, this voyage is poised to be remembered as a remarkable act of humanity and bravery.
Through this historic journey, the seemingly 'failed' Sumud Flotilla has delivered two essential messages. Firstly, it carried life-saving aid. While the quantity may not be sufficient, its symbolic significance is immense. Secondly, and most importantly, it has issued a direct challenge to the illegal and immoral naval blockade imposed by Israel, which has choked the Palestinian dream of freedom and self-respect for too long.
The ongoing military operations in Gaza result not only in destruction but also in planned starvation, particularly affecting children who are dying due to lack of food and medical care. The UN and international organizations warn of an ongoing famine, asserting that the blockade that prevents the delivery of essentials becomes an organized crime against humanity. Under international humanitarian law, providing food and medicine to children is not merely kindness but a fundamental obligation.
'Sumud' an Arabic word meaning steadfastness or indomitable resilience, is the name the Flotilla has adopted to honor the enduring spirit of the Palestinian people. It consists of nearly 500 citizens from 44 countries, including doctors, artists, parliamentarians, lawyers, journalists and human rights activists. The objective of this fleet is to break the naval blockade, deliver aid directly to Gaza, and establish the right to free passage in international waters.
Many important figures are participating in this voyage. Among them are Swedish climate and rights activist Greta Thunberg, the former Mayor of Barcelona, Nelson Mandela's grandson Mandla Mandela, and the renowned Bangladeshi photographer Shahidul Alam.
Shahidul Alam's presence in this fleet is a mirror reflecting the solidarity of the entire Bangladeshi nation. For millions of Bangladeshis who have long extended unwavering support to the Palestinian cause, Shahidul Alam's journey carries their indomitable hope. He has set aside his camera lens to stand in person against the injustice he has fought to document all his life. In his words, the goal of their nine vessels is not just to deliver aid, but to challenge the occupiers' blockade.
The Global Sumud Flotilla's journey is, of course, nothing new. It is the latest and largest chapter in a long struggle organized by civil society from various countries to liberate Gaza. This history is marked by sacrifice and bloodshed, which exponentially increases the risk of this expedition.
Recall the Mavi Marmara Tragedy of 2010, where ten peace activists were killed during an Israeli attack in international waters while attempting to deliver aid to Gaza. Following this incident, several subsequent flotillas in 2011, 2015, 2016, 2018, and the current year have also faced forcible interception, highlighting the significant risks involved in attempts to reach Gaza. The journey of the Sumud Flotilla exemplifies the unwavering commitment of individuals willing to risk their lives for justice, underlining why Israel seeks to prevent any external presence in Gaza.
The Israeli obstruction of this humanitarian initiative raises profound legal questions. The blockade of Gaza is considered illegal by international law and many governments. Military intervention against civilian, non-threatening vessels in international waters is a severe contravention of law.
Flotilla organizers insist their voyage is fully lawful. But when a military power stops civilian aid ships far from the coast of Gaza, the question arises: Will international law only serve the powerful nation? One of the Flotilla's primary goals is to exert pressure on international courts regarding the blockade's legality.
Compared to previous efforts, this fleet was described as the largest yet. Its participants hoped that the sheer number of boats would make it difficult for Israeli Navy to stop them all. But this hope was turned to frustration as the occupying forces utilized every strategy to derail the journey to Gaza.
This situation has ignited a storm of protest worldwide. Various countries and organizations have already condemned the incident. Despite this, the occupiers remain unyielding. They did not stop at halting the Flotilla; they continued their aggression in Gaza, where over 66,000 Palestinians have been killed since 2023.
The Global Sumud Flotilla is not just rocking on the waves; it is shaking the political inertia of the world. The hungry faces of Gaza's children are the moral engine of this fleet. Every packet of aid and every vial of medicine is life for them.
It reminds us that peace is impossible without justice, and human dignity is meaningless without freedom. A free Palestine is not just a territorial name; it is the moral standard where every human right will be protected, and no power will subdue a nation through starvation.
The Sumud Flotilla may not have reached its geographical destination, but this journey will still be marked in history as humanity's last hope. This voyage proved that, even when blockaded, the Palestinian dream of freedom endures. And the world is ready to catch the sail of that dream. For the people of Gaza, this is our collective Sumud-our unwavering steadfastness.
The writer is the Chairman-in-Charge, Department of Journalism and Media Studies, BGC Trust University Bangladesh
