A group of Gulf-based human rights advocates and civil society organisers has announced the launch of the 'Gulf Resilience Ship', a humanitarian vessel intended to break Israel’s blockade on Gaza and deliver food and medical aid.
Speaking to The New Arab's Arabic edition, Gulf organiser Mohammed Al-Hayki said the vessel would be "one of dozens, if not hundreds, of ships" aiming to breach the 18-year blockade and respond to the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
"This is a civil, peaceful response to an ongoing humanitarian crisis. We’re young people from the Gulf who felt we could not remain silent while Palestinians suffer from famine and siege," he said.
The ship is not affiliated with any government or political group and operates under the umbrella of the Global Coalition to Break the Siege - a wide network of international activists committed to challenging Israel's genocide in Gaza through nonviolent means.
A citizen-led effort
Organisers behind the Gulf Resilience Ship have launched a public campaign on social media, calling for volunteers and donations to support the mission.
The ship will carry food and medical aid, and organisers say they hope to open an independent humanitarian corridor to deliver supplies directly to Gaza.
"This is not a political act but a moral one. We want to mobilise global public opinion and show that Gulf citizens stand with Gaza in the face of injustice," added Al-Hayki.
Gaza has been under a full blockade by land, air, and sea since 2007, enforced by Israel and Egypt. Previous attempts to break the siege by sea have often been met with Israeli military intervention. Ships approaching Gaza in international waters have been intercepted, with activists detained and deported.
Despite those risks, activists say the impact of the blockade justifies renewed civilian-led efforts.
"The siege has caused famine, medicine shortages, and the collapse of basic services. Gaza is a prison," said one Gulf volunteer affiliated with the ship who asked not to be named. "We want to be part of something that reminds the world this is not normal and cannot continue."
The Gulf Resilience Ship joins a history of similar maritime efforts to challenge the blockade. One of the most widely known was the 2010 Mavi Marmara, part of the Freedom Flotilla, in which ten activists were killed after Israeli commandos boarded the vessel in international waters.
More recently, the Handala, the Madleen and the Conscience were Gaza-bound humanitarian vessels from Europe that were intercepted by Israeli forces. Activists on board were arrested and later deported.
Organisers say the Gulf Resilience Ship is inspired by these past efforts and by a growing wave of solidarity across the Arab world. They are also coordinating with Malaysian activists, who in June announced a wider "Thousand Ships" flotilla.
Still in its planning phase, the Gulf Resilience Ship is currently seeking financial backing and logistical support.
"We invite Gulf citizens to join us, whether by donating, volunteering, or amplifying the message," said Al-Hayki. "This is about being part of a global people’s movement, one that refuses to be complicit in the ongoing siege of Gaza."