A new humanitarian flotilla is scheduled to depart for Gaza at the end of March, with five Luxembourg nationals on board. The mission, organised by the “Global Movement to Gaza,” is set to set sail on 29 March, weather permitting, and will include activists, doctors, nurses, healthcare workers, and engineers.
The upcoming voyage follows an operation in 2025, during which some 40 boats attempted to breach the Israeli blockade to deliver aid to the Gazan population. That effort drew international attention, attracting media coverage and online followers worldwide. Among those taking part last year was a Luxembourg activist, Nora Huberty, who was on one of the last vessels to be intercepted by Israeli forces. She was abducted and imprisoned before being released a few days later.
On Thursday, the Luxembourg branch of the Global Movement to Gaza confirmed to RTL that a new flotilla would depart at the end of March – one that organisers hope will grow into a veritable fleet. “We aim to have a hundred boats,” said Patrick Bosch, president of the movement in the Grand Duchy. Should that goal be reached, he expressed confidence that the flotilla would reach its destination safely. “We are preparing for our arrival in Gaza, not our kidnapping,” Bosch said.
Abdessamad Taqui, head of the Luxembourg delegation, added that there is “no reason” for the ships to be intercepted, as the mission is humanitarian in nature. He noted that under agreements reached last month, “the route is supposed to be open.” Taqui previously took part in the first flotilla to Gaza, but his journey was cut short when his vessel’s mast collapsed off the coast of Italy.
Should Israeli forces intervene, Bosch is counting on the fleet’s size to ensure that at least some of the boats get through. “The first time, in the middle of the blockade, it took them many hours to surround and intercept the vessels,” he said. This time, he argued, Israeli forces would have to contend with up to one hundred ships. “We are better prepared,” he added. However, some uncertainties remain.
On Thursday, the Luxembourg branch launched an appeal for both skilled volunteers and financial donations. The movement is seeking doctors, surgeons, nurses, captains, sailors, engineers, healthcare workers, and general volunteers. “We need you,” urged Abdessamad Taqui.
Movement representatives confirmed to RTL that applications will be carefully screened. “We are a peaceful movement; we must avoid people who are... overly motivated, liable to take action,” one representative said, particularly in the event of an intervention by Israeli forces. Organisers also stressed that individuals in poor health should not undertake such a gruelling journey. “Then, once we arrive, we will be in an active war zone,” Bosch reminded. And not everyone is prepared to see what is happening there.
Although a new ceasefire was implemented at the end of January under pressure from the United States, the Israeli army has reportedly bombed Gaza on several occasions since, resulting in hundreds of deaths. Citing reports from Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, OCHA, and UNRWA, the Luxembourg branch of the Global Movement to Gaza stated that conditions have not improved for residents of Gaza. The group denounced what it described as “a strategy of systematic destruction of infrastructure and Palestinians” by Israel.
It is for this reason, the group argues, that intervention is “necessary”. Securing the means to do so, however, remains a significant challenge. Bosch highlighted the “colossal financial resources” required for such an operation, noting that the movement has not received “a single cent from the Luxembourg state.” He framed the initiative not as charity, but as an investment. “This is not simple charity; it is an investment in international justice [...] With your support, we break the siege,” he stated. A fundraising campaign has been launched on “chuffed.org” to collect donations for the mission.
Bosch also took the opportunity to address Prime Minister Luc Frieden directly, urging him “to openly defend the values” of Luxembourg in light of the situation in Gaza. “Silence is not neutral; silence is complicity,” he insisted. Taqui, reflecting on his own motivation, explained that his decision to join the first flotilla – and his potential participation in the second – is driven by a desire to protect his family. “It could reach our doorstep. Look at what is happening in Ukraine. Anything is possible, which is why we must act,” he said.
Weather permitting, around one hundred boats are scheduled to depart from the port of Barcelona on 29 March. In addition to the maritime convoy, two land convoys are being planned from Algeria and India. The latter, in particular, may face considerable logistical challenges given the distance it will need to cover.
Regarding previous participants, Nora Huberty is reportedly “considering” a return to Gaza in just under six weeks.
A total of five places have been allocated for volunteers from Luxembourg, to be distributed between the sea and land convoys. Selected participants will receive training in non-violent practices and instruction on how to react in the event of a hostage-taking situation. They will also be required to sign a waiver before joining the expedition, underscoring the need for participants to be prepared for any eventuality.
