Activists and Celebrities Set Sail from Barcelona to Break Israeli Blockade of Gaza
BARCELONA — A fleet of twenty ships, carrying over 300 crew members, including renowned Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and Irish actor Liam Cunningham, embarked from the port of Barcelona on Sunday on a daring mission to establish a humanitarian corridor to Gaza.
The Global Sumud Flotilla marks the fourth attempt this year to challenge the maritime blockade and is the largest effort to date to break the decades-long Israeli blockade of the Palestinian territory by sea.
Among the crew members is the outspoken Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, who minced no words in condemning the world’s silence over what she called Israel’s blatant disregard for international law and human rights violations in Gaza.
Joining Thunberg is Irish actor Liam Cunningham, best known for his role in the hit series “Games of Thrones.” Before departing from Barcelona, Cunningham played a poignant video showing a young girl named Fatima, who tragically passed away just days before the voyage.
In a somber tone, Cunningham questioned the state of the world where children like Fatima are forced to make their own funeral arrangements.
Former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau, present at the farewell ceremony, emphasized the city’s historic solidarity with the Palestinian cause, highlighting Barcelona as the first city in Europe to sever institutional ties with Israel.
Spanish actor Eduard Fernández echoed support for the mission, describing each ship as a powerful symbol of dignity. Spain, one of the first countries to recognize the State of Palestine in May 2024, continues to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people.
Simultaneously, in the Italian city of Genoa, a massive food drive collected over 300 tonnes of humanitarian aid, which will be delivered to Gaza in the coming days. A torchlit march in Genoa, attended by 40,000 people, celebrated the upcoming flotilla departure.
Genoa’s mayor, Silvia Salis, expressed pride in the city’s support for the mission, joined by representatives of the Democratic Party and the Greens and Left Alliance, calling on Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government to ensure the safety of Italian citizens participating in the voyage.
In Portugal, the involvement in the flotilla sparked political controversy. MP Mariana Mortágua, activist Miguel Duarte, and actress Sofia Aparício are part of the Portuguese crew, with Mortágua hoping her parliamentary immunity would provide some protection.
However, Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel clarified that parliamentary immunity does not grant diplomatic immunity, and the government is not obligated to accompany the flotilla. Nevertheless, Portuguese citizens will receive consular protection if needed.
Flotilla spokesperson Saif Abukeshek stressed the mission’s goal to establish a humanitarian corridor to Gaza, decrying the intentional deprivation of basic necessities like water, electricity, and food in the besieged Palestinian territory.
Despite the risks involved, with past incidents of Israeli forces intercepting humanitarian missions, the organizers remain undeterred, determined to raise awareness and challenge the blockade.
The flotilla, expected to be joined by additional boats from Greece, Italy, and Tunisia, aims to reach Gaza around Sept. 14 or 15, with the support of various governments and activists across Europe.
As tensions mount and uncertainties loom, one thing remains clear: the commitment to breaking the blockade and advocating for the rights and dignity of the Palestinian people remains unwavering. The world watches as these brave activists and celebrities set sail on a mission that transcends borders and challenges injustice.
