Global Flotilla Sets Sail to Deliver Aid to Gaza Amid Legal Controversy

A coalition of vessels, known as the Global Sumud Flotilla, has embarked on a mission to deliver humanitarian aid to the besieged population of Gaza. Departing from ports in Barcelona, Tunisia, and Sicily, the flotilla aims to establish a maritime corridor to facilitate the delivery of essential supplies. Among the participants is a group of legal professionals, including renowned human rights lawyer Leigh Brosnan, who are on board a support boat named Shireen, in honor of the late journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, who was killed in May 2022 while reporting on Palestinian issues.

The flotilla’s mission is not only to provide aid but also to document any potential violations of international law during their journey. Brosnan emphasized the importance of adhering to legal principles, stating, “I cannot stand idly by while the rule of law is decimated.” She highlighted the precarious situation in Gaza, especially since Israel suspended humanitarian aid deliveries on March 2, 2025. The establishment of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) in partnership with the United States has raised concerns regarding the privatization of aid, which some argue contravenes International Humanitarian Law.

According to the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, as of August 15, 2025, 1,760 Palestinians have been killed while seeking food, with nearly 1,000 fatalities occurring near GHF sites. Brosnan pointed out that the measures being implemented to enforce the blockade on Gaza are unlawful, citing various international legal standards that prohibit collective punishment and starvation.

The legal framework guiding the flotilla includes both maritime law and International Humanitarian Law. Brosnan explained that maritime law, which dates back to ancient civilizations, affirms the right to “innocent passage” for vessels navigating through territorial waters. This means that foreign ships are entitled to travel through a nation’s waters without obstruction, provided they comply with international law.

Brosnan contended that Israel’s blockade of Gaza is unlawful, stating, “If a policy of starving civilians is unlawful, then the measures deployed to enforce the policy are, by extension, also unlawful.” She argued that the flotilla’s participants, which include a diverse group of civilians, do not pose a threat to Israel and are therefore entitled to safe passage.

In response to Israeli Minister for National Security Itamar Ben Gvir‘s claims that the flotilla may be associated with Hamas, Brosnan dismissed these allegations as “legally unhinged.” She clarified that the flotilla embodies a peaceful mission, asserting, “There is no overarching political aspect to the flotilla.” This sentiment was echoed by many participants who view their actions as humanitarian rather than political.

Brosnan raised alarms about the deteriorating state of international law, noting the increasing evidence of deliberate violence against Palestinians. She highlighted the troubling trend of individuals within the Israeli government and military publicly discussing their actions in a manner that trivializes the suffering inflicted on civilians. The portrayal of these acts, particularly through social media, contributes to a culture of desensitization regarding human rights violations.

To summarize, the Global Sumud Flotilla is asserting its legal rights to navigate through international waters while delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza. Brosnan and her colleagues are committed to holding Israel accountable for any unlawful actions taken against the flotilla. As the situation in Gaza continues to evolve, the flotilla’s mission represents a significant act of civil society mobilization, grounded in legal principles that advocate for the protection of human rights.

The upcoming journey of the flotilla highlights the urgent need for adherence to international law and the protection of vulnerable populations facing humanitarian crises. With the law on their side, participants are resolute in their mission to bring assistance and hope to those suffering in Gaza.