Global Sumud Flotilla – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The Global Sumud Flotilla is a coordinated initiative of civilian vessels from different countries to make visible the demand for humanitarian aid and access to Gaza, through peaceful and non-violent means. It operates with logistics, legal, health, and communications teams; funding is largely donation-based.

Launched in 2025, the Global Sumud Flotilla stands out as the largest civilian maritime mission directed to Gaza to date. The initiative brings together thousands of activists, doctors, journalists, and human rights defenders from 44 countries, with more than 50 vessels planned. Boats departed from ports including Spain, Italy, Tunisia, and Malaysia, continuing their journey to deliver aid to Gaza and challenge the naval blockade.

As of the latest updates, the Barcelona and Malaysia convoys experienced short weather-related delays, and departure from Tunisia was postponed to September 10, 2025. In Türkiye and many other countries, large solidarity marches have been organized.

The flotilla’s live position is published via the official Tracker. On our site, the “Live Tracking” tab attempts to load this page in an embed; if cross-domain permissions block it, users can open it in a new window with a single click. The route and speed may change due to weather, security precautions, and port/permit processes.

Currently, the Barcelona and Malaysia convoys have seen weather-related delays, and the Tunisia departure has been moved to September 10, 2025. The flotilla is progressing along the Mediterranean corridor, with each update reflected both on the official tracker and via social media announcements.

• Live position: Official Tracking Page
• Breaking updates: Ecir Kapısı Update Page

Sumud (Arabic صمود) means “steadfastness / perseverance / resolve.” The name highlights a determined yet peaceful stance of civil solidarity.

Providing a firm ETA is not possible, as weather and sea conditions, security, port/permit processes, and diplomatic factors directly affect the timeline. The plan and progress should be monitored in real time via the official tracker and organizers’ announcements.

According to the 2025 plan, the flotilla will depart Tunisia on September 10, 2025. If weather holds and no unexpected obstacles arise along the route, the Mediterranean leg may take around 5–7 days. In that case, a tentative arrival off the Gaza coast would be between September 15–17, 2025. This is subject to change.

• Live position: Official Tracking Map
• Breaking updates: Ecir Kapısı Update Page

Participation changes over time. European ports such as Spain (Barcelona) and Italy (Genoa) have been major hubs, alongside Tunisia in North Africa and Malaysia in Asia. Activists have also joined from France, the UK, Norway, Türkiye, South Africa, and Indonesia.

Notable figures include Mandla Mandela of South Africa (Nelson Mandela’s grandson), various MPs, human rights advocates, and medical workers. Participation spans 44 countries with a goal of more than 50 vessels, forming a large civilian solidarity mission.

As Ecir Kapısı Association, we are part of the flotilla. See our public statement: Participation Notice

Delegations include human rights defenders, healthcare professionals, lawyers, journalists, MPs, and volunteers—strengthening security, health, and communications capacity overall.

Notable international names

• Greta Thunberg — Swedish climate activist.
• Liam Cunningham — Irish actor.
• Susan Sarandon — American actor and activist.
• Adèle Haenel — French actor and activist.
• Mandla Mandela — South Africa, grandson of Nelson Mandela.
• Mariana Mortágua — Portuguese MP.

From Türkiye

• Sema Silkin Ün — MP, Gelecek Party (Denizli).
• Necmettin Çalışkan — MP, Saadet Party.
• Mehmet Atmaca — MP, HÜDA PAR.
• Faruk Dinç — MP, HÜDA PAR (Mersin).

Ecir Kapısı Association is part of the flotilla. See our notice: Participation Notice

The number of boats/ships in the Global Sumud Flotilla is not fixed; it varies with preparations, port permissions, weather, and logistics. The most accurate figure is always shared via official announcements and the live tracker.

At launch, the flotilla targeted 50+ vessels, making it the largest civilian maritime mission organized for Gaza to date.

As of August 2025, convoys from different ports (Spain, Italy, Tunisia, Malaysia) consolidated into a core flotilla of ~30 vessels—including small boats, sailboats, aid ships, and support craft.

The final goal is to reach 50–60 vessels and deliver the largest civilian solidarity flotilla to Gaza. Numbers are updated as participation grows.

• Initial target: 50+ vessels
• Active core flotilla now: ~30 vessels
• Target capacity: 50–60 vessels

You can follow the flotilla live in two ways:

• Live position: via the Official Tracker Map.
• Real-time announcements & footage: via official social media accounts.

Additionally, Ecir Kapısı Association will share live streams and fresh footage from our social channels so supporters can follow developments directly.

Follow us:

• X (Twitter): x.com/ecirkapisiorg
• Instagram: @ecirkapisidernegi
• YouTube: youtube.com/@ecirkapisi

Türkiye contributes with both direct participation and broad public support. Rallies, marches, and press statements have been organized in various cities, with active roles by NGOs, volunteers, and political figures.

Support & demonstrations in Türkiye

• İstanbul/Üsküdar — A major march with tens of thousands. Slogans included “Ships to Gaza” and “From the River to the Sea, Free Palestine.”
• Simultaneous press statements and support rallies in Ankara, Bursa, Konya, Diyarbakır and others.
• University youth groups and volunteers organized solidarity events across many cities.

Key NGOs and figures

• IHH (Humanitarian Relief Foundation), MAZLUMDER, Özgür-Der, and various local associations announced active support.
• As the Ecir Kapısı Association, we took part in the flotilla, set up stands in various locations, and joined the marches.
• From Türkiye, MPs (Sema Silkin Ün, Necmettin Çalışkan, Mehmet Atmaca, Faruk Dinç) announced they would join via Tunisia.

These efforts reflect a strong show of solidarity with Gaza in Türkiye across public and civil society levels.

Participation from Türkiye changes over time. Activists, academics, doctors, journalists, and NGO representatives are among the prominent groups. For the most accurate list, please follow official announcements and our news archive.

Known participants and representatives

• Davut Daşkıran — Head of the Türkiye delegation.
• Dr. Hüseyin Durmaz — Active member of the delegation.
• Sema Silkin Ün — MP, Gelecek Party (Denizli).
• Necmettin Çalışkan — MP, Saadet Party.
• Mehmet Atmaca — MP, HÜDA PAR.
• Faruk Dinç — MP, HÜDA PAR (Mersin).

In addition, many NGO representatives, physicians, lawyers, and volunteers from Türkiye are part of the flotilla. Support is not limited to the voyage; rallies, press statements, and social media campaigns continue across multiple cities.

As the Ecir Kapısı Association, we have taken our place in this historic journey. See our statement: Participation Notice.