Health unions in the Gaza Strip have issued a joint statement warmly welcoming the Global Sumud Flotilla, a civilian led humanitarian convoy comprising dozens of ships carrying life saving medicines, medical supplies, and essential healthcare equipment. The flotilla has embarked on a historic journey to Gaza in open defiance of the blockade imposed by the Israeli occupation.

Following departures from ports including Barcelona, Genoa, Catania, and Syros, a significant portion of the flotilla has now reached Tunisian waters. Several Spanish vessels were received in Sidi Bou Said earlier this week, where they await additional ships before setting sail toward Gaza on Wednesday 10 September.

This development marks a pivotal moment in the international effort to break the siege on Gaza. The statement from the health unions expresses deep relief and renewed hope, noting that the arrival of the flotilla near Tunis signals growing global solidarity with Gaza’s collapsing healthcare system.

“We welcome the flotilla’s arrival in Tunisia and urge its immediate and safe departure toward Gaza,” the unions stated. “Its passage will deliver critical resources to our exhausted medical teams who continue working under bombardment, shortages, and the devastation caused by the genocidal war waged by the Israeli occupation.”

The unions issued urgent calls to the international community, medical organisations, and human rights bodies to ensure the flotilla’s full protection and unimpeded arrival in Gaza. They reaffirmed their unshakeable commitment to defending the right to life, health, and dignity for all Palestinians, until the blockade is lifted and accountability is achieved for the crimes of the occupation.