Global Sumud Flotilla sets sail from Spain toward Gaza with international activists on board

Activists from across the globe have joined the aid boat mission for Gaza, the Global Sumud Flotilla, which set sail from Barcelona on August 31. Ships from several countries, including Greece, Italy, and Tunisia, have also prepared to join the flotilla in a bid to break the Israeli siege and deliver aid to starving civilians in Gaza.

The flotilla is expected to reach Gaza by September 4. Over 300 people, including activists, actors, doctors, journalists, and politicians, are taking part in the mission, alongside a Pakistani delegation.

Notable figures on board include Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, Irish actor Liam Cunningham, Spanish actor Eduardo Fernández, former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau.

The flotilla’s departure from Barcelona was seen as a powerful symbol of the city’s solidarity with Palestinians, especially as it had already severed ties with Israel amid the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

Speaking on the mission, Greta Thunberg said the world is continuing to witness the genocide of Palestinians “unfolding live on phones,” adding, “Israel wants to wipe out the Palestinian people. If this does not push people to take action, get up from their couches, and organise, then I don’t know what will.”

Activists have urged people worldwide to support Gaza by joining the mission or raising awareness about the humanitarian crisis.

On July 26, Israeli naval forces intercepted the Handala, a humanitarian aid ship headed for Gaza, approximately 70 nautical miles from its intended destination and deported the activists. 

On June 9, Israeli forces intercepted another aid ship, Madleen, off the coast of Gaza in international waters. Twelve international activists on board were detained and later deported, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and French MEP Rima Hassan. They were released on the condition that they not return.

On May 2, the MV Conscience, a ship carrying aid to Gaza as part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, was attacked by drones in international waters near Malta. The strike caused a fire and structural damage to the vessel.