20 boats set sail from France to join Gaza-bound aid flotilla

MARSEILLE – 5 April 2026: Around 20 boats departed from the French port of Marseille on Saturday to join an international flotilla aiming to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and challenge Israel’s blockade, according to AFP reporters.

The vessels, mostly sailboats, set off amid applause to link up with the “Global Sumud Flotilla,” part of a broader effort involving about 100 boats expected to sail toward Gaza later this month after assembling from various Mediterranean ports, including Barcelona.

Organisers say the initiative seeks to draw renewed international attention to the Palestine.

A stop in southern Italy is planned for non-violence training before the flotilla continues its journey.

A similar attempt in late 2025, involving dozens of activists, was intercepted by Israeli forces, with participants detained and later deported.