Gaza Aid Flotilla Departs Barcelona After Weather Delay

A flotilla carrying activists and humanitarian aid departed from Barcelona on Monday evening, resuming its journey to Gaza after returning to port a day earlier due to adverse weather conditions. The Global Sumud Flotilla, comprising approximately 20 vessels with participants from 44 countries, had initially set sail on Sunday but faced strong winds exceeding 56 kilometers per hour (35 miles per hour), prompting organizers to prioritize safety and return to port.

The mission aims to deliver essential supplies to Gaza and challenge the Israeli naval blockade. Additional boats from across the Mediterranean are expected to join the flotilla in the coming days, potentially making it the largest maritime effort to reach Gaza to date.

Among those on board are Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau. The flotilla has also received support from actress Susan Sarandon and actor Liam Cunningham.

The Israeli military has previously intercepted similar attempts to breach the blockade and is likely to do so again.

The nearly two-year conflict has resulted in over 63,000 deaths, with nearly 340 Palestinians, including 124 children, dying from malnutrition, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

Hamas-led militants initiated the war with an assault on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 abductions. Forty-eight hostages remain in Gaza, with around 20 believed by Israel to be alive.