Sumud Convoy Activist: People’s Resistance Will Disrupt “Israeli Genocide”

DID Press: Violet Coco, an Australian participant in a major maritime convoy bound for Gaza, says residents of the territory continue to face severe humanitarian conditions despite what she described as a six-month “ceasefire.”

In an interview with Al Jazeera, Coco said Gaza’s border crossings remain under strict Israeli control and that the entry of humanitarian aid is heavily restricted. She said the convoy aims to support Palestinian rights to self-determination, human dignity, and freedom of movement.

Coco, 35, is among 15 Australian participants in the mission and said volunteers undergo five days of non-violence training before departure to avoid escalation if confronted by Israeli forces.

She also criticized the Australian government’s stance on Gaza, accusing it of complicity, and said coordinated civil resistance efforts would seek to disrupt what she described as an “illegal blockade” of the territory.

Victoria state Legislative Council member Gabrielle de Vietri praised the participants, describing their actions as marked by “remarkable humanity and courage,” and said the federal Labor government had failed to demonstrate similar leadership.

Sea convoys organized under the “Sumud” initiative have been launched in recent years as part of international efforts to challenge the blockade of Gaza, though some attempts have reportedly been intercepted by Israeli forces.