A video has been widely shared on social media claiming to depict “the largest civilian flotilla in modern history” sailing toward Gaza, accompanied by captions that more than 50 boats from 44 nations are participating in the mission. This claim has drawn attention, but our investigation finds the video to be misleading.
Social Media Posts
The viral video shows multiple vessels at sea under the headline “The Largest Civilian Flotilla in Modern History Sets Sail for Gaza,” and the accompanying text asserts that the boats are transporting activists toward Gaza. This clip has been circulated widely on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and X, presented as real footage of an aid mission to Gaza.
Fact Check
Our investigation reveals that the video originates from a completely different event. Through reverse image search, we found that the footage actually shows a boat parade by fans of the Turkish football club Galatasaray in Istanbul in May 2025, celebrating the team’s 25th Turkish Süper Lig title. In the video, several vessels display Galatasaray’s colors and logos, and the geography clearly matches Istanbul’s Bosphorus shorelines.
This footage aligns with the video posted by the Galatasaray SK official X account on May 26, 2025.
Timing of the Celebration
Multiple sources verify the Galatasaray celebration took place on May 25-26, 2025. According to Getty Images, fans joined a yacht parade across the Bosphorus from Sarayburnu to Yenikapı, complete with flags, chants, and flares.
Yahoo Sports also reported that “hundreds of boats” participated in the fleet, while Turkish news outlet Daily Sabah confirmed May 25 was designated for major celebrations, including a bus parade. Photos of the event were shared on social media on May 26. This evidence confirms that the viral video shows a football celebration, not a Gaza-bound humanitarian mission.
Actual Flotilla to Gaza
While that particular video is false in its claim, there are actual flotilla efforts underway in 2025 aimed at delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza or challenging Israel’s naval blockade. One of the most prominent is the Global Sumud Flotilla, launched in late August 2025. According to Al Jazeera, it consists of over 50 vessels from more than 44 nations and is intended to break what the organizers call Israel’s “illegal siege” of Gaza. The flotilla departed from Spain, made a stop in Tunisia, and then resumed toward Gaza.
During its journey, the flotilla reported drone attacks in international waters, with explosions and damage to some boats. No casualties have been confirmed. In response to risks, Italy and Spain deployed naval vessels to assist and protect ships in the flotilla. Greece has pledged to guarantee safe passage through its waters for the flotilla. Organizers have also practiced nonviolent protocols should their vessels be intercepted, including guidance to raise hands and cooperate under boarding scenarios. On the other hand, Israel has publicly stated that it will not allow vessels to breach its maritime blockade or enter what it deems an active combat zone, and has accused the flotilla of serving Hamas.
These flotilla missions operate in complex and contested maritime conditions, with conflicting legal, political, and security claims from all parties involved.
(Source: Reuters, Al Jazeera, The Indian Express)
Conclusion
While the viral video circulating on social media does not show a legitimate flotilla to Gaza, there are genuine humanitarian maritime efforts underway that face significant challenges and opposition. The misleading nature of the viral content underscores the importance of verifying information about this sensitive geopolitical situation. Accurate reporting on humanitarian missions is crucial as they operate in contested waters with complex legal and security implications.
Title:Viral video of “Gaza flotilla” actually shows Turkish football celebration
Fact Check By: Cielito WangResult: Misleading
