Swedish activist Greta Thunberg has joined a group of campaigners setting sail from Barcelona to Gaza. The journey is part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which the organizers describe as a peaceful mission aimed at delivering humanitarian support to Palestinians living under the ongoing blockade and violence. Getty Images
An aid flotilla carrying Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and dozens of others left Barcelona on Sunday bound for Gaza. The group, called the Global Sumud Flotilla, is transporting food, medicine, and water as part of an effort to challenge Israel’s blockade of the territory. Organizers say the convoy seeks to provide urgent support as conditions worsen inside Gaza.
The flotilla includes around 20 vessels with delegations from 44 countries. More ships are expected to join from Italy, Greece, and Tunisia in the coming days. Participants include activists, politicians, doctors, journalists, and artists from around the world.
Thunberg Speaks Out
Thunberg addressed reporters before departure, stressing the urgent need for aid.
“The story here is about Palestine,” she said. “The story here is how people are being deliberately deprived of the very basic means to survive.”
She accused Israel of repeatedly violating international law by intercepting aid ships in international waters and blocking relief efforts. This is not her first attempt to reach Gaza. In June, she was deported after the Israeli military stopped another vessel she had boarded.
Voices on the Journey
Actor Liam Cunningham, known for his role in Game of Thrones, is among those travelling. During a press briefing, he shared a moving story about a young girl, Fatima, who recorded herself singing while preparing her own funeral. She died four days later.
“What sort of world have we slid into where children are making their own funeral arrangements?” Cunningham asked.
Former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau has also joined the mission, adding her voice to international calls for safe delivery of aid.
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
Experts recently warned that Gaza City faces famine, with half a million people across the strip suffering extreme hunger. According to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry, more than 63,000 people have died since the conflict began nearly 23 months ago. At least 332 Palestinians have died from malnutrition, including 124 children.
The war started on October 7, 2023, when Hamas fighters launched an attack inside Israel, killing 1,200 people, most of them civilians, and taking 251 hostages. Since then, the fighting has escalated, and Israel has intensified its military operations in Gaza.
Risks and Obstacles
Israel has a history of blocking similar attempts to deliver aid. In late July, the military seized another humanitarian ship, detained 21 international activists and journalists, and confiscated supplies including baby formula, food, and medicine. Officials announced last week that they plan to restrict or stop aid deliveries to northern Gaza as operations against Hamas expand.
Despite these risks, the flotilla members say they remain determined. Organizers describe the mission as a peaceful humanitarian effort meant to highlight the suffering of Palestinians and deliver life-saving supplies.
