A flotilla of boats headed for Gaza carrying 350 pro-Palestinian activists, including climate change campaigner Greta Thunberg, departed from Barcelona. Around 20 vessels decorated with Palestinian flags set sail at 19:00 local time on Monday, stocked with medical and food supplies. The flotilla initially intended to leave on Sunday but had to stay in port due to stormy weather.
The goal of this mission is to 'break Israel's illegal siege on Gaza', according to organizers. Past attempts to reach Gaza via sea have been intercepted by Israeli forces. The Global Sumud Flotilla Mission is planning to launch in two waves, with the second wave expected to depart from Tunis on September 4. Activists hope the ships will reunite in the Mediterranean before sailing towards Gaza, a journey estimated to take seven to eight days.
Thunberg expressed her determination, stating in a video message, We are sailing again to break the siege and open up a humanitarian corridor. The flotilla's departure featured various speakers, including punk musician Bob Vylan, who praised the activists as 'brave individuals' tackling what should have been government action long ago.
Israel has previously criticized similar attempts as publicity stunts, emphasizing its blockade policies, which have led to severe shortages in Gaza. A recent UN report has indicated that there is famine in various parts of the Gaza Strip. The situation remains tense as international opinions differ on the humanitarian context surrounding these flotilla missions.
The goal of this mission is to 'break Israel's illegal siege on Gaza', according to organizers. Past attempts to reach Gaza via sea have been intercepted by Israeli forces. The Global Sumud Flotilla Mission is planning to launch in two waves, with the second wave expected to depart from Tunis on September 4. Activists hope the ships will reunite in the Mediterranean before sailing towards Gaza, a journey estimated to take seven to eight days.
Thunberg expressed her determination, stating in a video message, We are sailing again to break the siege and open up a humanitarian corridor. The flotilla's departure featured various speakers, including punk musician Bob Vylan, who praised the activists as 'brave individuals' tackling what should have been government action long ago.
Israel has previously criticized similar attempts as publicity stunts, emphasizing its blockade policies, which have led to severe shortages in Gaza. A recent UN report has indicated that there is famine in various parts of the Gaza Strip. The situation remains tense as international opinions differ on the humanitarian context surrounding these flotilla missions.
