Medical unions in Gaza have voiced strong support for the Global Sumud Flotilla, a civilian-led convoy of ships carrying desperately needed medicines, medical equipment, and humanitarian supplies. The flotilla has set sail in open defiance of the blockade, with its journey described as a beacon of solidarity for a health system on the brink of total collapse.

Vessels departing from European ports, including Barcelona, Genoa, Catania, and Syros, have now gathered in Tunisian waters. Spanish ships docked earlier this week in Sidi Bou Said, awaiting the arrival of further boats before the convoy sets course for Gaza on Wednesday 10 September.

For Gaza’s medical professionals, the sight of the flotilla approaching Tunisia has provided a rare glimmer of hope amid relentless bombardment and shortages. In their statement, health unions stressed that its safe passage would deliver lifeline supplies to exhausted doctors and nurses working under impossible conditions.

The unions urged international institutions, medical organisations, and rights bodies to safeguard the flotilla and ensure its unimpeded arrival. They emphasised that the blockade must be broken to restore the basic rights to life and healthcare, and that accountability is overdue for the ongoing destruction of Gaza’s health infrastructure.