Turkish delegation plays key role in Global Sumud Flotilla’s Spring 2026 Mission

Turkish activists participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla’s Spring 2026 Mission have reaffirmed their determination to break the blockade on Gaza and deliver humanitarian assistance.

Fatih Varol, a board member of the Global Sumud Flotilla, told Anadolu that the Turkish delegation is among the initiative’s most significant components.

“Türkiye has deep-rooted historical ties with Palestine. As a people, we feel the tragedy unfolding in Gaza much more profoundly. In this regard, both public support in Türkiye and the backing of Turkish civil society organizations are very strong,” he said.

Varol said the Turkish delegation has contributed not only to the fleet’s administration and coordination, but also to vessel preparations at Mediterranean ports through financial support.

He also noted that more than 10 lawmakers from both governing and opposition parties in Türkiye attended the Global Sumud Parliamentarians Congress in Brussels on April 22, forming the diplomatic arm of the mission.

According to Varol, lawmakers from around the world agreed during the meeting to raise calls in their respective parliaments to end the genocide in Gaza, lift the blockade on Palestine, ensure Israel complies with international law, and activate international criminal justice mechanisms.

He said the initiative would help increase international political pressure on Israel and grow through coordinated efforts aimed at paving the way for a freer world.

Gorkem Duru, another Turkish activist, said participants are preparing to sail toward Gaza as part of the 2026 mission, stressing that a “fake ceasefire” has not ended occupation, blockade, or violence.

“Last year, the Global Sumud Flotilla set sail. This year, despite the ceasefire, the blockade and occupation continue, so we are setting out again, stronger and more numerous, to break the blockade,” he said.

Duru added that final preparations are underway at Italy’s Augusta Port, while vessels departing from Barcelona have already arrived.

Activist Omer Aslan, known as the “Local John Wick” due to his resemblance to the character portrayed by Keanu Reeves, said he joined the mission out of humanitarian responsibility.

“While innocent babies and civilians in Gaza suffer oppression and violence, I could not live comfortably in my own country. I joined this peaceful humanitarian action to raise awareness both among my followers and globally,” he said.

Aslan said activists from across the world have joined the flotilla regardless of language, religion, or nationality, united by a common cause.

Flotilla's Spring 2026 Mission

The Global Sumud Flotilla was created to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza, deliver humanitarian aid, and draw international attention to the situation in the enclave.

Created in 2025 by NGO representatives, activists and volunteers from various countries, the flotilla launched its second mission to Gaza.

Its Spring 2026 Mission departed from Barcelona on April 12 with around 70 vessels and nearly 1,000 participants from 70 countries, significantly larger than a previous mission in September 2025, which included 42 boats and 462 participants.