Muscat – Three Omani volunteers are taking part in the Global Sumud Flotilla, an international convoy of boats aiming to defy Israel’s siege on Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid.

Dr Saeed bin Saif al Maskari, one of the Omani participants, said, “We are not the heroes; the true heroes are the people of Gaza who are facing the brutal aggression of the Israeli occupation. Our aim is to express the solidarity of our people with the people of Gaza and the Palestinian cause.”

Joining Dr Maskari are fellow volunteers Jamal al Raeesi and Omama al Lawati, who consider their participation as both a humanitarian and moral duty.

The Global Sumud Flotilla has been described as the largest maritime mission to Gaza, comprising around 40 boats and vessels and delegations from at least 44 countries. Dr Maskari noted that this marks the 38th convoy since 2008, drawing on previous experiences and coordinated efforts with organisations worldwide to form this international armada.

“The primary objective of the flotilla is to open a humanitarian aid corridor to support the people of Gaza,” Dr Maskari said. “If that is not possible, the mission will at least highlight the severity of the Israeli occupation’s actions. The legendary steadfastness of the Palestinian people has inspired participants from around the world to join this effort. Everyone can support Gaza, even with a word of encouragement.”

Lawati added, “The Palestinian crisis is a central issue for Arabs. We joined this global humanitarian mission because it is our duty as Arabs, Muslims and human beings to take part, especially as delegations from more than 44 countries are taking part is this initiative.”

Raeesi echoed the sentiment, saying, “We are acting within a humanitarian and legal framework. We call on all free people of the world to join this convoy to help alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people.”

The flotilla is expected to include 500 to 700 activists, comprising human rights advocates, legal experts, doctors, artists, clergy and seafarers, with tens of thousands more registered to support the initiative. Participants come from six continents, including Australia and Europe, and are not affiliated with any government or political party.

The flotilla is united by a shared belief in human dignity, nonviolent action, and the single aim to end the blockade and alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.