Flotilla of Defiance: Soumoud Fleet Converges on Bizerte Marina Ahead of Departure for Gaza
As the boats of the Soumoud flotilla converge on the Marina of Bizerte in preparation for their departure to Gaza, a press conference held in Sidi Bou Saïd provided clarity on the logistical, financial, and organizational aspects of the operation.
Strong Citizen Support and Humanitarian Aid
The stopover of the Soumoud resilience flotilla at the Marina of Bizerte since Thursday has been marked by a strong citizen turnout, with people coming to express unwavering solidarity with the mission members and, beyond that, with the Palestinian people subjected to the blockade imposed on Gaza. A wave of generosity has also been evident in the delivery of donations, including medicines and food, collected from the population. These humanitarian aids, taken care of by the teams of the Tunisian Red Crescent, have been transferred on board the boats that have been docked since Thursday.
Preparations and Departure
According to Khaled Boujemâa, a member of the organizing committee, the boats continue to arrive progressively at the port, with over twenty already present as of yesterday afternoon. The departure for Gaza is scheduled for this Saturday, September 13, weather conditions permitting. This event is a milestone, as it represents a moment of pride for Tunisia, whose constant commitment to just causes finds concrete and symbolic expression here.
Press Conference at Sidi Bou Saïd Port
During a press conference held on Friday at 6 pm at the port of Sidi Bou Saïd, the organizers of the Soumoud flotilla provided several clarifications regarding the donations received, the number of participants, the mobilized boats, and the causes of the observed delays. They assured that all collection operations were carried out in total transparency, in the presence of a notary and an accountant. Cash donations were used for the purchase and repair of boats, and the remaining balance will be transferred to UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees).
Logistics and Participation
Regarding logistics, the organizers indicated that 23 boats are currently stationed at the port of Sidi Bou Saïd. Technical inspections were carried out with experts to ensure the navigability of the ships. The progressive departure towards the port of Bizerte began yesterday. The observed delay, according to the organizers, is largely due to logistical constraints. However, some have expressed their questions about these delays, while the willingness to leave the port of Sidi Bou Saïd as soon as possible remains intact. "We are ready," they insist.
Human Aspect and Participation
On the human side, the Maghreb flotilla will include 72 Tunisian participants, as well as representatives of other Arab nationalities: Algerians, Moroccans, Libyans, Mauritanians, Kuwaitis, and Bahrainis, revealed the organizers during this press conference.
