We, as the RIPESS network promoting Social Solidarity Economy worldwide, warmly support the new “Freedom Flotilla,” which set sail this week toward besieged Gaza. This mission stands in continuity with the courageous voyages that began in 2008, when two Greek fishing boats—the Free Gaza and the Liberty—successfully broke the naval blockade for the first time in 41 years. On board were 44 people of 17 nationalities. That historic breakthrough inspired further flotillas of a global solidarity movement by sea.
In standing with the Global Sumud (steadfast perseverance, in arabic) Flotilla, we reaffirm our request to break the siege on Gaza, to oppose the ongoing war crimes and collective punishment against its people, and to uphold international law. Our solidarity is a concrete stand for justice, dignity, and the right of Palestinians to live in freedom and peace.
Carrying forward this legacy 17 years later, participants from the Maghreb Sumud Flotilla, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, the Global Movement to Gaza, and Sumud Nusantara have come together under one banner: to break the illegal siege of Gaza, to open a humanitarian corridor, and to help end the ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people. On 31/08/2025, dozens of boats, large and small, departed from Barcelona and Genova and the first week of September more boats will depart from Tunisia and Greece and converge on Gaza in what will be the largest coordinated civilian flotilla in history.
“We are not governments, armies, or institutions. We are ordinary people, organizers, doctors, humanitarians, clergy, artists, lawyers, and seafarers, united by the belief in human dignity and the transformative power of nonviolent action”.
This movement builds on decades of Palestinian resistance and international solidarity. Civilian vessels carrying aid and engaging in peaceful protests in international waters are protected under maritime law. With preparation, training, and global visibility, they aim to make clear: the siege must end, and the world will no longer look away.
RIPESS global network stands firmly with the Global Sumud Flotilla for one more reason: the mission reflects the very heart of the social solidarity economy; people acting together to resist oppression, defend life in dignity and self- determination. We call on the whole international community, from civil society to governments, to act decisively to uphold human rights, protect civilians, and put an immediate end to the blockade and ongoing atrocities.
RIPESS – Intercontinental Network for the Promotion of Social Solidarity Economy
E-mail: info@ripess.org, info@ripess.eu
Website: www.ripess.org, www.ripess.eu
