In Brussels, a large gathering of parliamentarians, political figures and activists has called for the establishment of a humanitarian maritime corridor to Gaza, alongside demands for Europe to suspend its partnership arrangements with Israel. The event, framed as a parliamentary conference in support of the Global Sumud Flotilla, coincides with the fleet’s ongoing journey across the Mediterranean towards Gaza’s coastline amid the continuing genocidal war on the territory.

Participants presented the meeting as a platform for coordinated political pressure rather than symbolic solidarity, centring discussions on what has been termed the “Brussels Declaration”. The proposal outlines the creation of a UN-backed maritime passage grounded in international law, affirming Palestinians’ right to access their waters and oversee reconstruction efforts independently of external control. It also calls for concrete policy measures, including halting arms transfers and reassessing trade relations.

The flotilla itself, which departed earlier this month from European ports including Barcelona and Marseille, is expected to continue via Italy before reaching Gaza. Organisers describe it as the largest civilian maritime mobilisation of its kind, involving around 100 vessels and more than 1,000 participants. The timing of the conference alongside the flotilla’s voyage is intended to translate political momentum into immediate action, particularly through legislative initiatives within European institutions.

Alongside the conference, plans were announced for a march towards the European Parliament, aimed at increasing pressure on policymakers to take decisive steps, including suspending ties with Israel. The broader effort reflects a shift in framing the situation not solely as a humanitarian emergency, but as a political issue requiring institutional accountability and sustained international intervention.