Why US veterans are sailing to Gaza with the Global Sumud Flotilla

After multiple voyages by the Gaza Freedom Flotilla have been prevented from reaching Gaza’s shores by Israel’s military, a massive fleet of freedom flotillas are currently sailing towards Gaza to deliver life-saving humanitarian aid to Palestinians in the midst of genocide. The Global Sumud Flotilla “brings together a diverse coalition of international participants, including those involved in previous land and sea efforts like the Maghreb Sumud Flotilla, Freedom Flotilla Coalition, and Global Movement to Gaza.” Including over 50 vessels, delegations from at least 44 countries, and activists, organizers, and people of conscience from around the world, the Global Sumud Flotilla is the largest maritime mission in history to break Israel’s blockade of the Gaza Strip. TRNN Editor-in-Chief Maximillian Alvarez speaks with Zue Jernstedt and Zuleyka Morales Rivera, two US military veterans and members of About Face: Veterans Against the War, who are sailing with the Global Sumud Flotilla.

Editor's Note: Hours after recording this interview, members of the Global Sumud Flotilla reported that a drone struck one of the vessels off the coast of Tunis, sparking a fire on the main deck.

Additional links/info:

• Global Sumud Flotilla website, TikTok, and Instagram
• About Face: Veterans Against the War website, TikTok, and Instagram
• Ruwaida Amer’s documentary reporting for TRNN from Gaza
• Maximillian Alvarez, The Real News Network, “Chris Smalls: Sabotage attempts and death threats won’t stop Gaza Freedom Flotilla”

Credits:

• Studio Production: Cameron Granadino
• Post-Production: David Hebden

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