Gaza-bound Flotilla with Greta Thunberg Leaves Barcelona Amid Controversy
A coalition of pro-Palestinian activists, including climate activist Greta Thunberg, departed from Barcelona on a mission to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza despite Israeli authorities' past interference.
BARCELONA — A fleet of approximately 20 boats carrying 350 pro-Palestinian activists set sail from the port of Barcelona on Monday at 19:00 local time, bound for the Gaza Strip.
Among those on board is Greta Thunberg, a prominent climate change campaigner known for her environmental advocacy.
The flotilla's departure follows an initial attempt on Sunday that was aborted due to adverse weather conditions.The mission, dubbed the Global Sumud Flotilla Mission, aims to challenge what organizers describe as Israel's 'illegal siege' on Gaza by delivering medical and food supplies.
Previous attempts to reach Gaza by sea have been met with interception by Israeli forces, which contends that such missions lack genuine humanitarian intent.This particular flotilla is organized in two waves, with the second group scheduled to depart from Tunis on September 4th.
The ultimate goal is for all participating vessels to converge in the Mediterranean and proceed towards Gaza, a journey expected to take around seven or eight days.Thunberg released a video statement expressing her support for the mission, stating that the flotilla aims to 'break the siege' and establish a humanitarian corridor.
Additionally, Bob Vylan, a punk musician known for his recent controversial comments at the Glastonbury music festival, addressed the gathering before departure, commending the activists as brave individuals seeking to address what they deem to be long-standing governmental failures.The Israeli government has previously criticized such missions, characterizing them as publicity stunts that do not provide meaningful humanitarian aid.
In March 2021, Israel imposed a complete blockade on goods entering Gaza, which was later relaxed in late May under international pressure after being declared a famine by a UN-backed organization in parts of the territory.Israel then attempted to establish its own distribution system through the controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which has been criticized by aid agencies for its effectiveness and transparency.
In June 2021, a yacht carrying Thunberg was intercepted by Israeli forces while attempting to reach Gaza with symbolic humanitarian supplies, leading to her deportation from the country.This marks the latest in a series of maritime attempts to breach Israel's blockade on Gaza, which has seen significant international scrutiny and tension.
The most notable incident occurred in 2010 when Israeli commandos killed ten people aboard the Turkish vessel Mavi Marmara, which was leading an aid flotilla towards Gaza.
Among those on board is Greta Thunberg, a prominent climate change campaigner known for her environmental advocacy.
The flotilla's departure follows an initial attempt on Sunday that was aborted due to adverse weather conditions.The mission, dubbed the Global Sumud Flotilla Mission, aims to challenge what organizers describe as Israel's 'illegal siege' on Gaza by delivering medical and food supplies.
Previous attempts to reach Gaza by sea have been met with interception by Israeli forces, which contends that such missions lack genuine humanitarian intent.This particular flotilla is organized in two waves, with the second group scheduled to depart from Tunis on September 4th.
The ultimate goal is for all participating vessels to converge in the Mediterranean and proceed towards Gaza, a journey expected to take around seven or eight days.Thunberg released a video statement expressing her support for the mission, stating that the flotilla aims to 'break the siege' and establish a humanitarian corridor.
Additionally, Bob Vylan, a punk musician known for his recent controversial comments at the Glastonbury music festival, addressed the gathering before departure, commending the activists as brave individuals seeking to address what they deem to be long-standing governmental failures.The Israeli government has previously criticized such missions, characterizing them as publicity stunts that do not provide meaningful humanitarian aid.
In March 2021, Israel imposed a complete blockade on goods entering Gaza, which was later relaxed in late May under international pressure after being declared a famine by a UN-backed organization in parts of the territory.Israel then attempted to establish its own distribution system through the controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which has been criticized by aid agencies for its effectiveness and transparency.
In June 2021, a yacht carrying Thunberg was intercepted by Israeli forces while attempting to reach Gaza with symbolic humanitarian supplies, leading to her deportation from the country.This marks the latest in a series of maritime attempts to breach Israel's blockade on Gaza, which has seen significant international scrutiny and tension.
The most notable incident occurred in 2010 when Israeli commandos killed ten people aboard the Turkish vessel Mavi Marmara, which was leading an aid flotilla towards Gaza.
