Senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan is Pakistan s representative on the mission, accompanied by campaigners from Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Germany, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Kuwait, the Maldives, Oman, Norway, Spain and Thailand.

For the first time, the flotilla ships of dozens of vessels sailed to Tunis on Sunday, September 7, in the final destination before sailing east. The port of Sidi Bou Said welcomed vessels which had departed from Spain. Organisers reported that close to 20 ships will be docking in Tunisia within the next couple of days before they set sail once again.

Wael Nawar, a steering committee member of the Maghreb flotilla, told Anadolu that Tunisian vessels would join the mission when it leaves on Wednesday while additional boats are expected to connect near the Italian coast. The convoy began its journey from Barcelona on August 22 and another group set sail from Genoa, Italy last week.

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There are approximately 150 activists involved, with citizens coming from Turkey, Tunisia, and in Europe, Africa, and Asia. Other notable figures have also joined the cause, such as Nelson Mandela s grandson, Mandla Mandela and French actress Adèle Haenel.

Organizers state the flotilla s intention is to make the international community aware of Gaza s deteriorating humanitarian crisis. Israel s blockade, which began in March, has drastically curtailed deliveries of aid, while famine was recently declared in northern Gaza. The conflict has killed almost 64,400 Palestinians since October 2023.

The flotilla will stay in Tunis for two days to resupply before trying to sail to Gaza on September 10.