ALBAWABA - The Sumud global flotilla has officially set sail to Gaza from the Spanish port of Barcelona, carrying activists from 44 countries in hopes of breaking the Israeli blockade and letting in humanitarian aid into the Strip.
Among the activists on board are Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, activist and former Mayor of Barcelona Ada Colau, Irish actor Liam Cunningham, Irish politician Paul Murphy, Brazilian activist Thiago Ávila
and many more, such as figures from the European Parliament.
Ávila said on social media, "This will be the largest solidarity mission in history, with more people and more boats than all previous attempts combined."
Global Sumud Flotilla sets sail to Gaza from Barcelona
Additionally, Greta Thunberg shared a collaborative Insatgram video captioned, "On August 31st we are launching the biggest attempt ever to break the illegal Israeli siege over Gaza with dozens of boats sailing from Spain.
She added, "We will meet dozens more on September 4th sailing from Tunisia and other ports. We are also mobilizing more than 44 countries on simultaneous demonstrations and actions to break complicity in solidarity with the Palestinian people! 🍉🇵🇸 Join this initiative on this decisive moment! @globalsumudflotilla"
Previous flotillas, including Handala and Madleen, tried to break the Israeli siege in Gaza but failed after Israeli soldiers intercepted the boats, sending all activists on board back to their home countries, despite many protesting Israel's actions.
The ongoing Israeli aggression on Gaza has resulted in the killing of more than 63,000 Palestinians and has left at least 156,000 injured since Oct. 7, 2023.
According to Middle East Monitor, more than 332 people have died because of the ongoing famine, including 127 children.
