Global Sumud Flotilla Sets Sail for Gaza Strip, Seeking to Break 18-Year Israeli Blockade Amid Worsening Humanitarian Crisis
A maritime aid convoy departed from Barcelona en route to the Gaza Strip on Sunday, carrying humanitarian supplies and activists in an effort to breach the longstanding Israeli blockade of the Palestinian territory by sea.
The action comes as Israel intensifies its military operations in Gaza City, restricting deliveries of food and essential supplies in the northern region of Palestine. Food experts have warned that Gaza City is currently experiencing famine conditions, with half a million residents facing critical levels of hunger.
Comprising approximately 20 boats and delegations from 44 countries, this convoy marks the largest attempt to date to navigate the Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip by sea, which has been in effect for 18 years. Additional vessels are expected to join from Italian and Tunisian ports as the flotilla makes its way across the Mediterranean towards the Gaza Strip.
Thousands gathered at Barcelona’s pier to bid farewell to a diverse fleet of boats adorned with Palestinian flags, including vintage luxury yachts, small wooden sailboats, and industrial vessels. Among them was the Sirus, over a century old.
Approximately 70 boats are anticipated to participate in the final leg of the journey, with the flotilla’s spokesperson, Saif Abukeshek, predicting an arrival around September 14 or 15.
Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, a prominent figure on this mission comprising hundreds of activists, politicians such as former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau, and journalists, spoke at a press conference, stating, “The story here is about Palestine, the story here is about people being deliberately denied the most basic means to survive.”
Ships laden with humanitarian aid have also set sail from Genoa, Italy, and are expected to join the flotilla in the coming days.
This is not Thunberg’s first attempt to reach Gaza waters this year. Previously, she was deported by Israel in June when the ship she was aboard, the Madleen, was intercepted by the Israeli military.
Thunberg commented on Israel’s alleged violations of international law, stating, “It has been very clear that Israel has been continuously attacking, unlawfully intercepting boats in international waters, and preventing humanitarian aid from entering.”
The Global Sumud Flotilla represents the fourth attempt this year to breach the maritime blockade. Earlier attempts include The Conscience, attacked by drones after setting sail from Malta in May, and the Handala, stopped by Israeli military in late July, resulting in the detention of 21 international activists and journalists and the seizure of cargo including baby formula, food, and medicine.
In a press conference before departure, actor Liam Cunningham screened a video featuring a girl planning her own funeral. The girl, Fatima, died four days prior to the convoy’s departure. Cunningham questioned, “What sort of world have we slipped into where children are making their own funeral arrangements?”
Israeli officials announced on Saturday that humanitarian aid deliveries to parts of northern Gaza would soon be halted or significantly slowed down as they expand their military operations against Hamas, a day after the city was designated a combat zone. The conflict began on October 7, 2023, following an attack by Hamas militants within Israel that resulted in over 1,200 civilian casualties and the capture of 251 hostages.