Activists Set Sail from Barcelona to Break Israel’s Siege on Gaza
BARCELONA — A flotilla of boats carrying 350 pro-Palestinian activists, including climate change campaigner Greta Thunberg, has departed from Barcelona in a bold attempt to break Israel’s illegal siege on Gaza.
The flotilla, consisting of around 20 vessels displaying Palestinian flags, left the Spanish port at 19:00 local time on Monday, stocked with crucial medical and food supplies. The mission had initially planned to set sail on Sunday but had to return to port due to stormy weather.
The Global Sumud Flotilla Mission, organized by activists, plans to launch in two waves — the first from Barcelona and the second from Tunis on 4 September. The activists hope to converge in the Mediterranean before embarking on the journey towards Gaza, which is estimated to take seven or eight days.
In a video message, Thunberg expressed her determination to break the siege and open up a humanitarian corridor. Punk singer Bob Vylan, known for leading controversial chants, hailed the activists as brave individuals attempting to do what governments should have done long ago.
Israeli authorities have dismissed previous attempts to sail aid to Gaza as publicity stunts lacking real humanitarian assistance. In response to international pressure, Israel lifted a nearly three-month total blockade on goods entering Gaza in late May but has since imposed its own distribution system through the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, drawing criticism from aid agencies.
This latest flotilla follows a previous incident in June when a yacht carrying Thunberg and other activists was intercepted by Israeli forces as it tried to reach Gaza. The activists were escorted to the port of Ashdod before being deported from the country.
It is worth noting that in 2010, Israeli commandos killed 10 people when they boarded the Turkish ship Mavi Marmara, which was leading an aid flotilla towards Gaza. The current mission is a bold and risky endeavor to challenge the ongoing blockade and bring much-needed aid to the people of Gaza. — BBC
