Why are we going to Gaza with the global “Sumoud” fleet?

“Jared Sacks” and “Zukiswa Wanner,” writers and cultural activists based in Cape Town, wrote in an article for Al Jazeera titled “Why are we going to Gaza with the global ‘Sumoud’ fleet?”:

We sail to keep hope alive. Losing hope means abandoning the people of Gaza and surrendering them to a tyrannical regime.

“Jared Sacks” and “Zukiswa Wanner,” writers and cultural activists based in Cape Town, noted in an article for Al Jazeera titled “Why are we going to Gaza with the global ‘Sumoud’ fleet?”:

Over the past 23 months, we have witnessed how the Israeli apartheid regime, with the backing of some of the world’s most powerful countries, has deprived the people of Gaza of their basic needs—such as food, medicine, shelter, freedom of movement, and water. Along with many others around the world, we have protested, boycotted, and demanded serious action to end the siege of Gaza, but these measures have not been enough.

The Global Sumoud Fleet (GSF) is the largest citizen-led humanitarian mission, organized with the aim of breaking the siege of Gaza and delivering essential aid to its people. This maritime fleet is made up of activists, doctors, artists, clerics, and lawyers from around the world who are sailing toward the Strip to confront the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The South African delegation, too, has joined this movement, coming from across the country and with diverse backgrounds. The fleet is especially supported by the International Court of Justice, which in its provisional ruling called on Israel to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza. However, Israel has so far refused to comply with these orders.

On June 9, Israeli forces seized the ship Madeleine, which was carrying humanitarian aid, in international waters, and later intercepted another vessel named Handala. These actions represent violations of human rights and war crimes that must be addressed and pursued.

In response to those who ask why we believe we will succeed where others have failed, it must be said that this movement is a continuation of the same path taken in the struggle against apartheid in South Africa. Global solidarity and the pressure exerted on governments ultimately led to the end of the apartheid regime. We are drawing on that same experience to break the siege of Gaza.

Although many countries are in a position to impose sanctions on Israel, no serious practical measures have yet been taken, while many nations around the world continue to support the Israeli regime.

The Global Sumoud Fleet (GSF) is not merely a symbolic act but part of a global movement for justice and human rights. Today, dozens of people from more than 40 countries around the world are sailing toward Gaza. This effort reflects the unity of people across the globe in the face of oppression and injustice. We continue with confidence, because we know that our struggle is a just one.

This humanitarian mission, led by hundreds of people of conscience from around the world, is a reaffirmation that we cannot remain silent and must act to expose Israel’s crimes and break the siege of Gaza. The solidarity of the South African people with this effort stands as a symbol of hope and a steadfast commitment to justice. As Colombian President Gustavo Petro wrote in a letter to the fleet: “Peace is not a utopia, but a duty.”

In this context, Mandla Mandela, the grandson of the late Nelson Mandela, the iconic leader of South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle, stated that the lives of Palestinians under Israeli occupation are worse than anything Black South Africans experienced under apartheid. He called on the international community to come to their aid.