Indonesian Humanitarian Group Withdraws from Gaza-Bound Flotilla Citing Logistical Challenges
Tunis, Tunisia – GPC Indonesia has announced its withdrawal from the Global Sumud Flotilla’s mission to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, relinquishing its participant slots to other international groups. The decision, made after nearly two weeks of preparation in Tunisia, stems from a confluence of obstacles including ship readiness, severe weather damage, and limitations in vessel capacity relative to the growing number of volunteers.
The withdrawal does not signify a cessation of support for the mission. GPC Indonesia will contribute five ships to the flotilla’s fleet and has dispatched 30 prepared volunteers to participate. The group will also continue to provide logistical support, including accommodation for international participants stationed in Tunisia. This mission, aiming to break the ongoing blockade of Gaza, faces meaningful hurdles as organizers navigate technical difficulties and weather-related setbacks.
According to a statement released by GPC Indonesia, technical issues with ships deemed unfit for the journey and damage sustained by vessels – including those from the Spanish GSF fleet – due to extreme weather conditions contributed to the decision.The escalating number of participants further complicated matters, prompting the Steering Committee Global Sumud Flotilla (SC GSF) to reduce the number of travelers based on available ship space.
“This decision was taken as a strategic step to further guarantee the success of the global mission of Sumud Flotilla which continues to be fought together,” GPC Indonesia stated.
Despite the withdrawal of its core group, GPC Indonesia reaffirmed its commitment to the broader humanitarian effort, emphasizing its ongoing contributions to the largest maritime aid mission in history.