This fleet of ships is sailing to Gaza to deliver aid — and defy an Israeli blockade
Dozens of ships under the Global Sumud Flotilla departed the port of Barcelona on Monday evening, beginning a week-long journey to Gaza with the aim of delivering aid and challenging Israel’s blockade of the territory.
The flotilla is described as the largest maritime mission of its kind, with delegates from 44 countries forming the crew. Among those taking part is climate activist Greta Thunberg.
The small vessels are carrying humanitarian supplies, including rice, biscuits, and milk powder, which are crucial, especially at a time when international agencies have reported clear signs of famine in Gaza.
Activist Muhammad Nadir Al-Nuri said the initiative demonstrates solidarity with civilians in Gaza.
“We are preparing the humanitarian aid. We are bringing on the ships to Gaza to break the siege and feed our children, our brothers and sisters in the Gaza Strip,” he said.
“This is a mission that we are going to go together. We are going to go as one strong power.”
The Global Sumud Flotilla is a coalition of activist groups, including the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, the Maghreb Sumud Flotilla, the Global Movement for Gaza, and the Sumud Nusantara.
The ships are expected to travel through Italy and Tunisia before reaching Gaza in mid-September.
Previous flotillas have attempted similar missions. Some succeeded in delivering aid, while others were intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters, resulting in fatalities.
A flotilla is a group of vessels organised to transport essential supplies such as food and medicine to areas where conventional delivery routes are blocked or restricted.
Humanitarian flotillas usually operate under international maritime law and with the backing of global organisations.
Israel has repeatedly stated that “unauthorised attempts to breach the blockade are dangerous, unlawful and undermine ongoing humanitarian efforts.”
Officials have also previously criticised flotillas bound for Gaza, describing them as “selfie yachts of celebrities,” “stunts,” and “Instagram activism,” and alleging possible links to Hamas.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
