An international flotilla carrying humanitarian aid and hundreds of activists, including Swedish climate advocate Greta Thunberg, set sail from Barcelona on Sunday. The mission, organized by the Global Sumud Flotilla, aims to challenge the Israeli blockade on Gaza and to deliver critical aid to Palestinians in the Strip.

The convoy of around 20 vessels departed from the eastern Spanish port city shortly after 3:30 PM local time (1:30 PM GMT), flying Palestinian flags. The organizers described the initiative as an effort to establish a humanitarian corridor and oppose what they termed the "ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people."

Among those on board are prominent public figures such as Irish actor Liam Cunningham, Spanish actor Eduard Fernandez, and former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau. Participants represent dozens of nationalities, with many serving as lawmakers, civil society members, and human rights advocates.

 

 

 

 

 

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Mission aims to break 'Israel’s' blockade

Greta Thunberg, who serves on the flotilla's steering committee, addressed journalists ahead of departure, stating, "The story here is about Palestine. The story here is how people are being deliberately deprived of the very basic means to survive. The story here is how the world can be silent."

Echoing this sentiment, Cunningham noted, "The fact that you guys are here, and the flotilla is happening, is an indication of the world's failure to uphold international law and humanitarian law."

The journey begins—voices of hope and solidarity setting sail for Gaza pic.twitter.com/02kEJDwhs8

— Global Sumud Flotilla (@GlobalSumudF) August 31, 2025

According to organizers, the flotilla intends to arrive off Gaza’s coast by mid-September. Dozens more vessels are expected to join from other Mediterranean ports, including Tunis, beginning September 4.

Spain’s Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares also stated that the government would provide full diplomatic and consular protection to Spanish citizens participating in the flotilla. Madrid formally recognized Palestine as an independent state last year.

International support, global solidarity actions planned

Alongside the maritime effort, coordinated demonstrations and protests are scheduled across 44 countries. These events are aimed at expressing solidarity with the Palestinian people and raising awareness about the ongoing blockade.

"This will be the largest solidarity mission in history, with more people and more boats than all previous attempts combined," said Brazilian activist Thiago Avila.

Portuguese lawmaker Mariana Mortagua, who is also joining the mission, emphasized, "We understand that this is a legal mission under international law."

When the world is silent, we sail

From today’s press conference in Barcelona: the Global Sumud Flotilla prepares to launch the largest civilian mission to break Israel’s blockade on Gaza pic.twitter.com/nEM44j90Dg

— Global Sumud Flotilla (@GlobalSumudF) August 31, 2025

Previous attempts blocked by 'Israel'

"Israel" has previously intercepted similar missions attempting to breach the blockade. In June, a vessel named Madleen carrying 12 activists from various countries, including Thunberg, was intercepted 185 kilometers off the coast of Gaza. Those aboard were detained and later expelled.

In July, another ship named Handala, with 21 activists from 10 countries, faced a similar fate while attempting to approach Gaza.