PUTRAJAYA: Environmental organisation Greenpeace has announced that its vessel, Arctic Sunrise, will join the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) mission, which aims to support humanitarian access to Gaza and challenge Israel’s blockade.
In a statement on Tuesday (April 7), GSF said Greenpeace’s long-standing record of protecting the seas, confronting injustice, and taking action in defence of life makes the organisation a valuable addition to the mission.
"The Arctic Sunrise’s role is to provide technical and operational maritime support to ensure the safe transit of vessels across the Mediterranean before the flotilla completes the final 200 nautical miles to Gaza’s shores," the statement read.
GSF said the mission, involving over 70 boats and 1,000 participants from 70 countries, is scheduled to depart from Barcelona to Gaza on Sunday (April 12).
"The mission will carry hundreds of medics, teachers and eco-builders, bringing vital expertise in healthcare, education, and sustainable rebuilding directly to support Palestinians in Gaza.
"This mission represents the largest civilian‑led maritime effort to directly challenge the decades‑long blockade imposed on Gaza and the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe facing Palestinians," it said.
GSF said the rescue vessel Open Arms, operated by the Spanish NGO Proactiva Open Arms, also announced last month that it will join the flotilla as it crosses the Mediterranean en route to Gaza on Sunday.
The statement added that Open Arms’ participation brings additional humanitarian personnel and logistical support to the mission, highlighting the scale of civil society mobilisation amid continued government failures to meet their legal and moral obligations.
"This collaboration between internationally recognised civil society actors is a significant show of solidarity in the global response to the siege and the genocidal conditions it perpetuates," the statement read.
The GSF itinerary features coordinated land and sea actions to challenge impunity, uphold international law, and demand unrestricted humanitarian and reconstruction access to Gaza. – Bernama
