Greta Thunberg Joins Aid Flotilla Departing Barcelona for Gaza

A flotilla carrying humanitarian aid and activists, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, departed from Barcelona on Sunday, aiming to challenge Israel's naval blockade of the Gaza Strip. The convoy, known as the Global Sumud Flotilla, comprises approximately 20 vessels, with additional boats expected to join from Italy and Tunisia, representing delegations from 44 countries. Organizers estimate that about 70 boats will participate in the final leg, expected to reach Gaza by mid-September. The flotilla is transporting essential supplies such as food, water, and medicine amid a humanitarian crisis exacerbated by intensified Israeli military actions in Gaza, where famine and severe malnutrition have been reported.

Thousands of supporters gathered at the Barcelona port, showing solidarity with the Palestinian cause. Notable figures like former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau are part of the initiative. Thunberg criticized the international system for failing to uphold international law and previously attempted to reach Gaza by sea in June, but was intercepted and deported by Israeli forces.

Israel has enforced a naval blockade around Gaza since 2007, when the militant Hamas group took control of the enclave. Israel argues that the blockade is necessary to keep weapons from getting to Hamas, but rights groups have criticized the blockade as a form of collective punishment inflicted on Palestinian civilians in Gaza.