The news outlet Middle East Eye has reported that Egyptian authorities have not yet approved the participation of volunteers in the “Sumud Flotilla”, a mission aimed at breaking the siege on Gaza and joining the Global Sumud Flotilla. One boat owner has already withdrawn due to security threats and pressure.
A Race Against Time
According to the report, hundreds of Egyptian activists are racing to connect the local flotilla to the international initiative, which is driven by civil society and includes volunteers from 44 countries—among them Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg.
The global flotilla is set to sail from Spain, Italy, Tunisia, and Greece in what organisers describe as the largest maritime mission to deliver aid to Gaza since the Israeli assault on the Strip in October 2023.
Sending aid by sea from Egypt may appear unusual, given that Egypt is the only Arab state with a direct land border with Gaza. Yet Cairo insists that Israel bears sole responsibility for the ongoing blockade, as Tel Aviv effectively controls the movement of people and supplies into and out of the Strip.
Suspicion and Withdrawal
Last week, organisers announced that a vessel named Ibiza would be the first to sail from Suez, one of five boats scheduled to join the mission. Days later, however, contact with the owner was lost.
A statement explained that this happened after the committee published photos and details of the boat—information the owner had initially approved. Following the disappearance, the steering committee travelled to Suez to investigate, meeting with a former local MP in efforts to ensure the owner’s safety and resolve contractual issues.
According to Middle East Eye, the spokesperson for the Egyptian flotilla said:
“So far, no one has responded. We are still waiting for authorisation from the coast guard and border forces.”
Local platforms later reported that the Ibiza owner withdrew after receiving threats and security pressures.
Waiting for Authorisation
Hossam Mahmoud, spokesperson for the flotilla, told Middle East Eye on Friday that the voyage was scheduled to begin by Sunday, pending approval from authorities. He warned of possible delays due to shifting schedules in Greek waters and repeated Israeli attempts to intimidate vessels.
He added:
“We remain in constant contact with our colleagues aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla. But until now, there is no official authorisation from Egyptian authorities.”
Activists have already reached out to the Cabinet, Presidency, Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Transport, Interior, and port authorities in Damietta and Alexandria. Despite this, they continue to await clearance from coast guards and border security.
Threats, Symbolism, and Political Voices
Earlier this month, organisers cancelled a press conference after receiving security threats. Despite these obstacles, volunteers remain committed to sending boats carrying medical supplies, food, and humanitarian aid to Gaza. While the initiative is largely symbolic, organisers insist it carries political weight, transforming popular solidarity into direct action at a time when diplomatic efforts are faltering.
Prominent opposition figure and former presidential candidate Ahmed Tantawi praised the Egyptian flotilla as a “valuable attempt” that adds to national efforts supporting the Palestinian cause. He urged both pro-government and opposition parties to unite around the initiative, describing it as “a cause that transcends divisions.”
He told Middle East Eye:
“This is an attempt to stand against the ongoing tragedy of Palestinians in Gaza, which has unfolded over the past two years and seeks to liquidate the Palestinian cause.”
Donations and Public Participation
So far, volunteers have collected around four tonnes of aid, sorting and packing it for delivery. If sailing proves impossible, supplies will be handed over to the Egyptian Red Crescent in Arish or Ismailia for transfer to Gaza.
Donations have come from ordinary Egyptians: elderly citizens contributing part of their monthly medicines, women offering food and pharmaceuticals from their personal stocks, and families providing essentials. In total, twelve large boats are reportedly ready to sail, awaiting final permits.
Organisers initially rejected financial donations to avoid dependence on funding but are reconsidering this stance in case more ships need to be purchased. The campaign has drawn significant media attention, with over 150 journalists registering to cover or join the mission.
Surprisingly, the Egyptian Journalists’ Syndicate has remained silent—neither endorsing nor condemning the flotilla—despite the involvement of some of its members in preparations.
Activists also formally addressed Sheikh of Al-Azhar Ahmed Al-Tayyeb and Pope Tawadros II, though no response has been received to date.
A Civilian Challenge to the Siege
The Global Sumud Flotilla is a broad civil coalition of activists, doctors, lawyers, sailors, artists, and journalists united in the goal of challenging the naval blockade on Gaza and delivering aid outside the restricted land crossings. It brings together past initiatives—including the Maghreb Sumud Flotilla, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, the Global Gaza Movement, and Nusantara Sumud from Southeast Asia—under a single umbrella to carve out a maritime passage to Gaza.
Egyptian authorities have yet to issue an official position on the initiative, further complicating efforts to secure permits. Organisers also face the risk of Israeli interference, with the global flotilla already experiencing delays due to harassment and security incidents in international waters.
The Egyptian team acknowledges the possibility of last-minute rejection or harsh inspections of their vessels. They stress that while delivering aid via the Red Crescent remains an option, it lacks the powerful symbolism of breaking the siege by sea.
Tantawi summed up the broader meaning:
“Future generations will judge nations on whether they acted in defence of just causes in the face of oppression. The Palestinian cause must never be held hostage to internal political struggles. Parties claiming to represent the people must match words with real solidarity.”
