A coalition of international activists, including Swedish environmental advocate Greta Thunberg, has embarked on a landmark maritime mission to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. The 'Global Sumud Flotilla,' described by organizers as the largest civilian-led effort of its kind, departed Barcelona on Sunday with plans to challenge Israel's naval blockade of the Palestinian territory.
Over 50 vessels from dozens of countries will converge in Tunisia by September 4 before sailing toward Gaza's coast. Brazilian activist Thiago Avila called the initiative "the largest solidarity mission in history" during a pre-departure press conference, where he shared the stage with Thunberg.
"This isn't about our voyage," Thunberg emphasized. "This is about Palestine – about how people are being systematically denied the basic necessities for survival." Medical professionals and humanitarian workers join the flotilla, which aims to establish a permanent aid corridor while drawing global attention to Gaza's humanitarian crisis.
The mission comes amid heightened regional tensions and follows multiple failed attempts by civilian groups to breach the blockade since 2010. Organizers maintain their commitment to nonviolent resistance, stating: "We sail not just with supplies, but with the urgent demand to end this genocide."
