Last fall, hundreds of activists from around the world boarded several dozen boats and set sail for Gaza. Their mission: to break through Israel’s blockade of the territory and draw global attention to one of the most severe humanitarian crises of our time. They believed that documenting their journey on social media would amplify their cause.
Initially, the Global Sumud Flotilla was easy to dismiss—until it wasn’t. Before reaching Gaza, the flotilla was targeted by drones, and activists were detained by the Israeli navy.
“We were at gunpoint; like, you could see the laser on our chest.”
Louna Sbou, a participant in the flotilla, described the harrowing moment.
Following their interception, activists were transported to a high-security prison in the Negev desert.
“You have no control, you have no information, and you have no rights. They could do whatever they want to you.”
Carsie Blanton, another participant, shared her experience of detention.
This week, as a new flotilla sets sail for Gaza, Reveal revisits the story of the Global Sumud Flotilla from last fall. The episode offers a firsthand account of the activists’ journey and examines whether their efforts made any difference.
This is an update of an episode that first aired in December 2025.
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