A flotilla of ships departs from Barcelona to the Gaza Strip with humanitarian aid and activists on board in the largest attempt yet to break the Israeli blockade of the Palestinian territory by sea.
The Global Sumud Flotilla is carrying food, water and medicine. Activists on board demand safe passage to deliver the much-needed aid and the opening of a humanitarian sea corridor, according to a statement.
The maritime convoy of about 20 boats and delegations from 44 countries is claimed to be the largest attempt to date to break the Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip by sea. They will be joined by more ships from ports in Italy and Tunisia in the coming days, on the route from the western end of the Mediterranean to the Gaza Strip, organizers say.
Around 70 boats are expected to take part in the final leg of the journey, flotilla spokesperson Saif Abukeshek tells Spanish public television after the departure. The fleet could reach Gaza around Sept. 14 or 15, he adds.
Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg — who was aboard a previous failed flotilla and was deported by Israel in June — is again joining the efforts, along with former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau.
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Sunday, August 31, 2025
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