Greta Thunberg, Susan Sarandon Sail for Gaza
A flotilla of ships set sail from Barcelona on Sunday, carrying humanitarian aid, activists, and high-profile supporters in an effort to break Israel’s 18-year maritime blockade of the Gaza Strip. The mission, known as the Global Sumud Flotilla, includes around 20 vessels and representatives from 44 countries, making it the largest sea-based attempt yet to reach the Palestinian territory, according to organizers.
The flotilla’s departure comes amid an intensified Israeli military campaign in Gaza City. According to the Associated Press, the offensive has further restricted the flow of food and essential supplies into northern Gaza, where conditions are rapidly deteriorating. Food security experts earlier this month warned that parts of the city are already experiencing famine, with an estimated half a million people across the strip facing extreme hunger.
Carrying food, water, and medicine, flotilla participants are demanding safe passage and the establishment of a humanitarian sea corridor to allow life-saving aid into Gaza. Additional vessels from Italy, Greece, and Tunisia are expected to join the convoy in the coming days.
Thousands gathered at the Barcelona harbor to show support, waving Palestinian flags and chanting slogans like “Free Palestine!” and “Boycott Israel!” The boats preparing to set sail ranged from aging luxury yachts and small wooden sailboats to more rugged, industrial vessels.
Among the most recognizable figures on board is Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, who criticized Israel for what she described as repeated violations of international law by intercepting aid vessels in international waters. “This is about basic survival,” Thunberg said. “People are being deliberately deprived of food, water, and medicine.”
Thunberg previously attempted to reach Gaza by sea in June but was deported after Israeli forces intercepted the boat she was on.
Also participating in the mission are actors Susan Sarandon and Liam Cunningham, along with politicians, journalists, and other human rights advocates. During a press briefing, Cunningham shared a video of a young girl, Fatima, who sang while planning her own funeral. He said she died four days ago. “What sort of world have we slid into, where children are preparing for their own funerals?” he asked.
The flotilla’s organizers say their mission is a peaceful effort to challenge the blockade and draw international attention to the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.
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