Algiers (EFE).- The Sumud Flotilla, carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza, docked in Tunisia on Sunday while awaiting additional boats from the Maghreb initiative, which postponed its departure until Sep. 10 due to “technical and logistical problems,” organizers said.
The ships anchored at the port of Sidi Bou Said, about 20 kilometers (12.5 miles) from Tunis, after delays in linking up with vessels from Tunisia and Italy’s Sicily, which also postponed departure on Sunday.
“The meeting points are determined according to needs,” Ali Kniss, a spokesperson for the Maghreb flotilla, told EFE. He stressed that “the path to Gaza to break the siege remains the same” despite setbacks.
The Tunisian flotilla had already delayed its launch twice, prompting the Spanish boats to remain in Tunisian waters until Wednesday, when all ships are expected to sail together toward Gaza “to lift the blockade.”
International effort faces delays
Organizers said the Global Sumud Flotilla boats from Sicily also postponed their navigation due to the delays of vessels from Barcelona and the Maghreb flotilla.
The international initiative began on Aug. 31 from Barcelona with 20 boats and the slogan “Free Palestine,” but poor weather forced a return to port, delaying departure.
Five vessels later withdrew for security reasons, before the flotilla resumed its journey to Tunisia.
High-profile figures join
Aymen Bhiri, a Tunisian activist with the flotilla, confirmed to EFE that Mandla Mandela, grandson of former South African president Nelson Mandela, would join the boats departing Tunisia. He will sail alongside Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau, who boarded in Spain.
The organizing committee also announced a sit-in outside the U.S. Embassy in Tunis, accusing Washington of complicity in “genocide and ethnic cleansing” in the occupied Palestinian territories.
Despite logistical setbacks, organizers insist the flotilla will continue its mission to deliver aid to Gaza and challenge Israel’s blockade. EFE
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