Global Sumud Flotilla Media Release
WHAT: Emergency global press conference hosted by the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) to alert the international community of credible intelligence indicating that Israel is likely to escalate violent attacks on the flotilla within the next 48 hours, potentially using weapons that could sink boats, injure and/or kill participants.
Speakers will brief journalists on these threats, present the latest situational updates from the flotilla at sea, and issue urgent calls for governments and international bodies to intervene and guarantee the flotilla’s safe passage as it works to break Israel’s illegal siege on Gaza.
WHEN: Thursday, September 25, 2025 – 3:00 PM CET
Where: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86526716368
Speakers:
- Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela, former Member of Parliament, South Africa
- Yasemin Acar, GS Steering Committee
- Kleoniki Alexopoulou, GS Steering Committee
- Lamis J. Deek, International Lawyer, Director of Legal-Diplomatic Affairs for PAL Commission
- Varsha Gandikota, Executive Secretary of The Hague Group
WHY THIS MATTERS: Last night, GS gathered credible intelligence indicating Israel is likely to direct violent attacks on the flotilla within the next 48 hours-including the use of heavier weapons that could sink boats and/or cause injuries and fatalities.
Given these threats, the flotilla’s steering committee has taken immediate precautions to further prioritize participant safety. Organizers will brief the press on the security situation, legal implications, and the flotilla’s plan forward.
LEGAL CONTEXT: Civilians engaged in humanitarian missions are protected under the Geneva Conventions and international maritime law. Any attack on or obstruction of the GSF would constitute a grave breach of international law and a defiance of the International Court of Justice’s provisional order requiring Israel to facilitate humanitarian aid to Gaza.
BACKGROUND: The Global Sumud Flotilla is a multinational civilian-led mission of more than 500 doctors, lawyers, parliamentarians, unionists, and human rights defenders delivering medical aid and food to Gaza’s besieged population. Participants have undergone extensive nonviolence training and are accompanied by legal and medical support boats to guarantee transparency and adherence to international law.
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Netanyahu has demonstrated a consistent indifference to international law assisted by his good buddy Donald Trump who has taken several measures to cripple the authority of the International Criminal Court and to neuter its justices.
I note that Italy and Spain have provided frigates to escort the flotilla but it is unlikely that they could withstand a violent IDF attack in international waters.
Netanyahu will insist that the flotilla is antisemitic and demand Israel’s right to self-defence but constantly crying wolf is wearing a bit thin when his clear objective is to prevent medical supplies being delivered to Gaza hospitals and to ensuring that infant formula does not find its way to starving babies.
Good luck and my best wishes to those engaged on this humanitarian mission.
The one positive that will come out of this mess is that the moment Trump falls off his perch, so will Putin & Netanyahu.
“Self defence” doesn’t work when you’re an armoured and armed cop confronting a civilian carrying a packet of aspirin.
‘IDF announces Hamas have undercover submarines’ (caution: satire) – Their God will be their judge, the world their jury!