A new humanitarian flotilla is being organised to sail towards Gaza this spring. On Thursday, the Luxembourg section of the Global Movement to Gaza held a press conference to renew its appeal for volunteers and donations.
After last summer’s failed attempt, organisers are preparing a more ambitious mission. Patrick Bosch, President of Global Movement to Gaza in Luxembourg, said they aim to assemble at least 100 vessels carrying around 3,000 participants, including five residents from Luxembourg. He explained that, in addition to the maritime convoy, overland aid deliveries are planned, with medical staff and equipment among the supplies to be transported.
Bosch stressed that the initiative urgently needs support, both financial and in terms of volunteers willing to join the boats, as some Luxembourg-based activists did last year. He explained that the objective this time is not only to challenge the maritime blockade but also to deliver concrete humanitarian assistance directly to the population in Gaza.
Bosch argued that conditions on the ground have not improved since the ceasefire, citing continued hardship, shortages of aid, and severe living conditions. He suggested that the international context has evolved slightly, pointing to what he described as commitments under the current peace framework that humanitarian aid should be allowed through. As the mission’s sole purpose is to provide humanitarian assistance, both by sea and overland, he argued that the convoy should, in principle, be able to operate without obstruction.
Abdessamad Taqui of Global Movement to Gaza in Luxembourg echoed this view. He stated that, given the ceasefire and the reopening of crossings, the initiative would operate under international law and in international waters, and therefore should have no reason to face interception or arrest. He added that the group considers its actions entirely lawful and focused purely on humanitarian relief.
Bosch explained further that a convoy of roughly 200 trucks is envisaged to depart from Algeria, with another overland convoy under consideration from eastern countries.
Delegations from 48 countries worldwide have already expressed their intention to participate. The flotilla is expected to set sail at the end of March.
