Omani academic’s journey on the Sumud Flotilla

Kabeer Yousuf
Sheer determination and compassion led Dr Omama bint Mustafa al Lawatiyah, an mani academic and communication specialist and a retired professor from Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), to embark on one of the most challenging humanitarian journeys of her life — the Sumud Flotilla, a maritime mission carrying aid and solidarity to the people of Gaza.
Dr Omama, who also holds a Master’s in Interfaith Dialogue, was among hundreds of international activists and humanitarians from 47 countries who joined the Global Sumud Flotilla, the largest civilian sea convoy ever assembled for Gaza. Comprising more than 50 small vessels loaded with food and essential supplies, the flotilla departed from Spanish ports on August 31 and regrouped in Tunisia on September 4 before heading east.

Their ship, Marinette, carried six passengers — including participants from Türkiye, Germany and Australia — and was at sea for 20 days. As storms raged and drones hovered, the crew pressed on undeterred. “There were high waves and strong winds, but our determination was stronger than nature’s fury”, recalls Dr Omama.
The flotilla made brief halts in Sicily and Greece, where several boats were attacked by drones and hazardous chemicals were released into the sea to intimidate the participants. “But none turned back”, she says firmly. “We continued our voyage until we were intercepted and arrested by Zionist forces 53 miles from Gaza, well within international waters”.
The group was taken to the Port of Ashdod and later held in the Naqab Desert Prison, about 30 km from Gaza. “The feeling that we were in Palestine gave us strength”, she recounts. “We were transported in closed military vans, unable to see outside. It was an illegal abduction — each vessel sailed under a national flag and international law protects us in such waters”.

Upon her release, Dr Omama was warmly received at Muscat International Airport, where supporters celebrated her courage and humanitarian spirit.
A former faculty member and current officer in Academic Accreditation and Quality Assurance at SQU, Dr Omama is also a columnist and children’s author. Her advocacy for Palestine, she says, is deeply rooted in Omani education and culture. “We studied about Palestine in school and sang Palestinian songs in class. It became part of our identity to speak for them”, she reflects.
Her interest in joining the flotilla was sparked in Tunisia, during a visit for her academic work. From her hotel overlooking Habib Bourguiba Street, she witnessed a massive rally welcoming a returning flotilla participant. “I attended the press conference and learned about the registration link for the mission. I went back in August to attend preparatory lectures — we were mentally and psychologically prepared for what could await us, even imprisonment”.
Despite the ordeal, Dr Omama remains unwavering. “Our global legal team is now fighting to recover the boats and supplies seized illegally. The mission continues”, she affirms. “It is the duty of every human being — especially in Oman — to stand with Palestine”.