Canadians are joining an international flotilla to deliver aid to Gaza, risking detention by Israeli forces. Over 100 boats and 3,000 participants will depart from Spain and Italy on April 12, carrying medical supplies and humanitarian aid.
The mission, organized by the Global Sumud Flotilla, includes health-care workers, journalists, and builders. Past attempts have resulted in detentions, with no ships reaching Gaza since 2008.
Participants, including a Toronto physician and Palestinian-Canadian organizer, say they are prepared to face possible arrest to bring aid to the region. They argue the flotilla operates under international law and aims to establish a maritime corridor for future aid shipments.
Israel maintains its naval blockade is necessary to prevent arms smuggling, while critics call it collective punishment. Aid deliveries remain far below promised levels, with hunger still widespread in Gaza.