BARCELONA - The Global Sumud Flotilla, a coalition of activist and aid vessels, set sail once more on Monday evening from Barcelona’s Black Port, resuming its journey toward Gaza after being forced to return to shore on Sunday due to strong winds. Ship horns echoed and activists chanted, "Free, Free Palestine!" as the fleet departed.
The flotilla, described by organizers as the largest civilian maritime mission to Gaza, had initially left Barcelona on Sunday carrying humanitarian supplies and activists from more than 44 countries. However, strong winds of over 30 knots in the Mediterranean Sea prompted the group to return to port to ensure the safety of the mission. Organizers viewed the initial departure as a "sea trial," and used the time in port to conduct a general meeting and address technical issues.
With dozens of civilian vessels carrying volunteers, journalists, and a wide array of humanitarian supplies, the flotilla's mission is to break the long-standing Israeli blockade of Gaza and deliver urgently needed food, water, and medicine. Participants include prominent figures such as Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, former Barcelona Mayor Ada Colau, and Irish actor Liam Cunningham.
The flotilla is a collaborative effort of four major coalitions: the Global Movement to Gaza, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, the Maghreb Sumud Flotilla, and Sumud Nusantara. Organizers state that the mission is entirely peaceful and humanitarian, aimed at raising awareness and challenging what they describe as an illegal siege and a humanitarian crisis.
The fleet is expected to be joined by additional ships from ports in Tunisia and Sicily in the coming days. Organizers anticipate the journey to Gaza will take approximately 15 to 20 days, though the exact route and details have been withheld for security reasons.
This is the latest in a series of attempts to break the Israeli naval blockade. Previous flotillas have often been intercepted by Israeli naval forces in international waters, with organizers facing detention and their cargo confiscated. The Israeli government has not yet issued an official comment on this specific flotilla, although a far-right security minister has called for the activists to be classified as "terrorists."
Activists on board have stated their determination to continue, with one spokesperson noting that even if the flotilla is blocked, the movement to end the occupation will persist. Their journey underscores the ongoing international pressure to deliver aid to a region where food experts have warned of widespread famine.
