For nearly two decades, Gaza has been trapped under a suffocating blockade, turning the Strip into one of the world’s most dire humanitarian crises. Despite constant threats, violence, and relentless Israeli naval blockades, activists from around the globe have repeatedly risked their lives sailing towards Gaza, determined to deliver aid and break the siege imposed since 2007.

The “Madleen” vessel, recently intercepted and its passengers detained by Israeli forces, is only the latest in a long line of flotillas trying to challenge the blockade. These efforts, often met with harsh repression, have included dozens of ships from various countries, many intercepted or attacked. The 2010 assault on the Turkish ship Mavi Marmara remains a stark reminder of the brutal lengths Israel will go to enforce this siege, killing nine activists and injuring many more.

Beyond the humanitarian aid, these missions carry a powerful political message: the world must not ignore the systematic oppression of Gaza’s two million residents. Each attempt to reach Gaza reaffirms the resilience of Palestinians under siege and the international solidarity refusing to accept their isolation.

Recent attempts have faced even greater obstacles, including drone attacks disabling vessels and diplomatic pressure to undermine legal protections for the flotillas. Yet, these acts of resistance continue, driven by a shared conviction that Gaza’s people deserve freedom, dignity, and access to basic necessities.

For Palestinians, the flotillas symbolize hope amid despair, a persistent voice against a blockade that seeks to erase their existence. Despite overwhelming force, this unbroken struggle shines a light on Gaza’s plight and the urgent need to end its isolation.