Environmental group Greenpeace joins a major civilian flotilla to Gaza, providing maritime support to challenge the blockade and deliver aid.
PUTRAJAYA: Environmental organisation Greenpeace will join a major civilian-led mission to challenge the blockade of Gaza. Its vessel, the Arctic Sunrise, will provide technical and operational maritime support to the Global Sumud Flotilla.
The flotilla, involving over 70 boats and 1,000 participants from 70 countries, is scheduled to depart from Barcelona on April 12. It aims to support humanitarian access to Gaza and directly challenge Israel’s long-standing blockade.
“The Arctic Sunrise’s role is to provide technical and operational maritime support to ensure the safe transit of vessels across the Mediterranean before the flotilla completes the final 200 nautical miles to Gaza’s shores,” a GSF statement read.
The mission will carry hundreds of medics, teachers and eco-builders to offer expertise in healthcare, education and sustainable rebuilding. Greenpeace’s participation is seen as a valuable addition due to its record of protecting the seas and confronting injustice.
“This mission represents the largest civilian‑led maritime effort to directly challenge the decades‑long blockade imposed on Gaza and the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe facing Palestinians,” the statement added.
The Spanish NGO Proactiva Open Arms also announced its rescue vessel, Open Arms, will join the flotilla. Its participation brings additional humanitarian personnel and logistical support to the effort.
GSF stated this collaboration highlights the scale of civil society mobilisation amid perceived government failures. The flotilla’s itinerary features coordinated land and sea actions to challenge impunity and demand unrestricted access to Gaza.
“This collaboration between internationally recognised civil society actors is a significant show of solidarity in the global response to the siege and the genocidal conditions it perpetuates,” the statement concluded.
