Version imprimableRadionauta, a community, alternative, and grassroots radio station in La Plata, broadcast the testimony of Ramiro Giganti, an ANRed correspondent who was part of the Argentine delegation that set sail for Gaza last Sunday as part of Global Sumud. The flotilla, composed of 75 boats—a civilian initiative, the largest in history to date—aims to deliver humanitarian aid including food, water, personal hygiene items, medical supplies, school bags, toys, nappies, and infant formula, among other items, to bolster hospital capacity and support Palestinian communities facing an acute humanitarian crisis resulting from the genocide and illegal blockade perpetrated by the State of Israel. "I am where I need to be," he declares from the Mediterranean Sea, emphasizing: "The genocide in Gaza continues, and it is crucial to make it visible." (ANRed)
"I am where I need to be."
From the Eilabun vessel, as part of the Global Sumud, Ramiro Giganti, an ANRed correspondent and member of the Argentine delegation of the flotilla of 75 boats, spoke to the community, alternative, and popular radio station Radionauta about his experience en route to Gaza and explained his reasons for joining the international mission. "I believe that any human being with even a modicum of sensitivity cannot remain indifferent," he stated, referring to the images coming out of Palestine in recent years. "It was very distressing. Often without anyone to talk to about it," he added, speaking of the personal impact of the war and the silence that, he denounced, prevailed for long periods.
Ramiro indicates that one of the central motivations was to break this silence: "We must not stop talking about Palestine, denouncing the ongoing genocide in Gaza." In this sense, he criticizes both the mainstream media and certain alternative spaces for having relegated the subject at various times: "These were demonstrations of 50, 100 people, and always the same people covering them," he recalls, while acknowledging that visibility has increased recently.
The flotilla, which is carrying humanitarian aid, also has the political objective of breaking the blockade: "The first thing is to make it visible, to try to break this encirclement," he explains. The boats are carrying food, medical supplies, and reconstruction materials, in a context he describes as critical: "The blockade continues, and humanitarian aid has dropped to less than 10 per cent of what it used to be." Added to this is the very real possibility of being intercepted by Israeli forces, as has happened during previous missions.
The journalist and activist also linked his decision to the situation in Argentina: "Gaza is not far from our home," he stated, criticizing the foreign policy of Javier Milei’s government: "We have a government that boasts of being the most Zionist in the world." In this context, he highlighted the presence of an Argentine delegation in the flotilla as well as the recent demonstrations under the slogan "Not in our name."
Regarding the mission, Ramiro reports that they received training in geopolitics, security, and communication: “What matters most isn’t us sailing. What matters most is that the genocide continues,” he emphasizes. He also highlights the collective nature of the experience: “I’m surrounded by people from all over the world, with differences, but united by this cause, which, for me, is the one that divides the waters. ”
Finally, he emphasized the need to maintain global mobilization: "Visibility is fundamental. We must reactivate it." And he concluded with a statement that summed up his decision: "I could have made this trip for some other reason, but I couldn’t. I am where I need to be."
The flotilla’s mission takes place within a geopolitical context of rising tensions in the Middle East, with the conflict being extended by Benjamin Netanyahu (Israel) and Donald Trump (United States) beyond Gaza into Lebanon, Iran, and other territories, in what various analysts describe as a regional strategy of imperialist expansion and reconfiguration of the balance of power. Within this framework, the denunciation of the blockade, the genocide, and the role of Western powers places the struggle for territorial control, resources, and hegemony in the region back at the centre of the debate.
At the same time, the flotilla experience highlights the existence of an international solidarity network seeking to confront this scenario from the ground up, through direct action and global visibility. Faced with militarization, media blackouts, and the criminalization of critical voices, these initiatives reaffirm that the issue is not only territorial, but also political and communicative: who is telling the story, and from what perspective?
15 April 2026
Translated by International Viewpoint from ANRed.
"This flotilla carries risks, but it represents a powerful moment of collective commitment, unity, and humanity."
Macéo and Samah
The flotilla that departed from Marseilles on April 4th heading for Gaza is carrying medical and logistical supplies to break the blockade and deliver a political message. The NPA-A supports this initiative and is directly participating with two comrades. We interview here Macéo, from the Anticapitalist Youth, and Samah, from the Loire (42) committee, who are on board and witnesses to this mobilization.
What made you decide to embark on this adventure?
Macéo: I’ve been involved in the struggles for the Palestinian people for several years now. And since the ceasefire was announced, it’s been discussed less and the mobilizations are less intense; many people think the massacres have ended. Yet, the Israeli apartheid regime remains in place and continues to kill in Gaza and seize Palestinian land in the West Bank.
I felt there was a need to take action to make what was happening visible. Flotillas are effective for that. I asked a comrade from Thousand Madleens to Gaza if I could help when they started the construction in L’Estaque, Marseilles. I spent a week there, but at that point I wasn’t thinking about going to sea. It was later, when they said they were looking for sailors, that I volunteered, since I already had some sailing experience.
Samah: I’ve been involved with the Palestinian cause for a long time, but my activism took a different turn after October 7th. There were demonstrations in Roanne, but the speeches given by the organizers didn’t resonate with the feelings of some of the protesters. We didn’t identify with certain terms used or with the way speech was being controlled. We decided to revive an existing but dormant organization following the death of its former president: the France Palestine Solidarity Association (AFPS) in Roanne—a turning point in the forms my activism has taken. Since then, we’ve been carrying out various awareness-raising activities.
During the last flotilla, which departed from Tunis, I felt a very strong calling. Being French¬-Tunisian, I felt that my place could be there, alongside those taking direct action. I then decided to participate in a future flotilla if the opportunity arose. I was also in contact with an activist from the Algerian delegation who had participated in that flotilla. Her testimony strengthened my resolve to take concrete action, on my own scale, to bring a little humanity and support to the people of Gaza. When AFPS offered me the chance to join this mission, I accepted without hesitation.
I am aware that this mission involves risks, but it also represents a powerful moment of collective commitment, unity, and humanity. That is what motivates me.
How is the preparation going?
Macéo: On the construction site, the preparation went rather well. Since I spent a week there from the start, I was able to follow its progress firsthand. Many comrades joined this mobilization, and there was a strong surge of support from the entire population of L’Estaque. We are currently in Naples and should be leaving Italy on April 20th, if the situation allows us to.
For now, the goal remains to have around 100 boats. Currently, we have approximately 90 boats ready to depart, including the Global Sumud Flotilla.
Samah: For me, the preparation took place in a fairly short time, as I made my decision late. As a single mother, I first had to organize childcare and arrange time off with my employer. I quickly informed my colleagues of my commitment, both within the NPA-A and the AFPS, where I am vice-president of the local Roanne group. Very quickly, I received both financial and moral support, which allowed me to move forward with greater peace of mind. I feel well supported and accompanied today, and I am deeply grateful to them. I will be joining the other members of the flotilla in Italy.
Tell us about the boat.
Macéo: I’m going on the Al Karama, it’s an 8-person boat with both long-time activists and more recent ones. We all participate in sailing, especially the night watches where we always try to be in pairs, one experienced person and one novice. As for daily tasks, we have a great cook who takes care of that, but we try to get everyone involved in the other chores (washing, tidying up, etc.).
Samah: I will be on board the Nour, with a crew of about six people. The exact roles haven’t been finalized yet. We’ll have more information once we’re all together in Italy.
What are the issues surrounding these flotillas?
Macéo: These flotillas play a crucial role in raising awareness. They give real visibility to the actions of the apartheid state of Israel. Colonization has been ongoing for over 90 years, and genocide has been taking place for three. This solidarity is also linked to Gaza: the goods loaded onto the boats were requested by Gazan organizations. This flotilla primarily serves a media purpose, and we must talk about it as much as possible in order to build a long-term solidarity movement with Palestine.
Samah: This flotilla has two major objectives. First, to try to break the blockade imposed on Gaza and to deliver humanitarian aid. Within the flotilla, we find a diverse range of people: healthcare workers, teachers, and individuals involved in various fields. This diversity allows us to envision concrete assistance, whether medical, psychological, or educational.
Furthermore, even if we do not reach our destination, the goal is to make the situation on the ground visible and to publicize the daily lives of Palestinians. Despite ceasefire announcements ¬, the bombings continue, essential goods such as food and medicine remain difficult to access, and civilians, including journalists, are still exposed to grave dangers.
Local initiatives are essential: they help maintain attention, raise awareness, and build a power dynamic among citizens. It is this link between local action and international solidarity that gives our commitment its full strength.
16 April 2026
Translated by International Viewpoint from Inprecor.
