A second humanitarian flotilla is preparing to depart from Barcelona, Spain, on Sunday, aiming to deliver aid to Palestinians in Gaza and break the Israeli blockade. Approximately 30 boats are set to leave the Mediterranean port, carrying medical supplies and other humanitarian aid as part of the Global Sumud Flotilla. Additional vessels are expected to join the journey along the way toward Palestine.
Last October, the Israeli military intercepted an earlier flotilla organized by the same group, detaining about 40 boats and arresting Swedish activist Greta Thunberg among over 450 participants. Israeli authorities deny restricting supplies to Gaza, which is controlled entirely by Israel, despite claims from Palestinians and international aid organizations that the amount of aid reaching the territory remains inadequate, even after a ceasefire agreement in October that committed to increased aid delivery.
Liam Cunningham, an actor famous for his role in Game of Thrones who supports but is not participating in the flotilla, told Reuters, “Any aid on these ships is a failure because the people involved are doing what their governments are supposed to do.” The World Health Organization emphasizes that even in conflict zones, international law obliges states to allow safe access to medical care.
Saif Abukeshak, a Palestinian activist and member of the flotilla organizing committee, explained that their mission is to establish a humanitarian corridor to facilitate aid delivery. Past flotilla participants from Switzerland and Spain reported inhumane conditions during detention by Israeli forces—a claim rejected by an Israeli foreign ministry spokesperson.
