ByMICHAEL STARR
Updated:

The Global Sumud Flotilla will set sail anew from Turkey to Gaza on Thursday, GSF Steering Committee member Saif Abu Keshek announced on Wednesday during a press conference, following the Israeli Navy's interception of the activist fleet and detainment of key figures.

Abu Keshek, who had been detained last Thursday and deported on Sunday alongside GSF Steering Committee member Thiago Avila, said that a flotilla of 54 vessels and over 500 activists would be embarking from Marmaris.

"We sail one day before the Nakba, not only to commemorate the anniversary of the Nakba, but to act on it," said Abu Keshek.

Activists released after detention


Abu Keshek and Avila had been released from Ashkelon's Shikma detention facility on Sunday. The former had been held for questioning for his affiliation with the Hamas-linked Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad, while the latter had been suspected of "illegal activity."

demonstrator speaks through a megaphone, as people gather in Parliament Square and march along Whitehall to protest and demand protection for the Global Sumud Flotilla, some of whose vessels were intercepted by Israeli forces while carrying aid and activists to Gaza, in London, October 2, 2025
demonstrator speaks through a megaphone, as people gather in Parliament Square and march along Whitehall to protest and demand protection for the Global Sumud Flotilla, some of whose vessels were intercepted by Israeli forces while carrying aid and activists to Gaza, in London, October 2, 2025 (credit: REUTERS/Jack Taylor)

Avila had been deported to São Paulo and did not appear to be set to join the Thursday departure, speaking to supporters on Wednesday through video call.

Abu Keshek and Avila were two of 175 activists on the 20 vessels intercepted near Crete on April 29, with almost all of the passengers deposited onto Greek shores with the coordination of the country's government. GSF decried the incident as an act of piracy and launched an international media campaign to secure Abu Keshek and Avila's release.

Israel calls flotilla a propaganda stunt


The Foreign Ministry alleged that the flotilla was a propaganda stunt and that the ships were devoid of humanitarian aid.

Fifty-six vessels had embarked from Italy on April 26, on a voyage to challenge the Israeli blockade of Gaza, with the declared mission of raising awareness and mobilizing further activism against the blockade. Israel maintains the blockade around Gaza to prevent the smuggling of arms and munitions and the movement of terrorist organizations.

The flotilla had arrived in Italy to absorb a contingent of 25 vessels, with the original armada of 39 ships embarking from Spain on April 15. The flotilla had originally been set to depart from Barcelona on April 12, but was prevented by stormy weather.