Gaza Aid Armada Resumes Voyage After Tempest, Faces Israeli Barrier

The Global Sumud Flotilla, a bold convoy of humanitarian aid boats, relaunched from Barcelona’s port on Monday night after a fierce storm forced a retreat just hours after its initial departure. Battling winds exceeding 56 kph (35 mph), the flotilla’s smaller vessels faced perilous conditions, prompting organisers to prioritise safety and return to port on Sunday. Now, with renewed determination, the mission is back on track to challenge Israel’s long-standing naval blockade of Gaza.

This maritime convoy, potentially involving dozens of boats from 44 countries, marks the largest attempt yet to breach the 18-year blockade. More ships are expected to join from Italy, Greece, and Tunisia in the coming days, amplifying the mission’s scale. The flotilla carries critical supplies—food, water, and medicine—to address the dire famine gripping Gaza City, where 500,000 people face catastrophic hunger, according to food experts. The Gaza Health Ministry reports over 63,000 deaths in the nearly two-year conflict, with 340 Palestinians, including 124 children, succumbing to malnutrition.

Among the high-profile activists on board are Swedish climate icon Greta Thunberg and former Barcelona Mayor Ada Colau. The mission also has the backing of Academy Award winner Susan Sarandon and “Game of Thrones” star Liam Cunningham, who passionately condemned the crisis, highlighting a heartbreaking video of a young girl planning her own funeral. “What sort of world have we slid into?” Cunningham asked reporters.

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The flotilla’s journey is fraught with risk. Israel’s military has a history of intercepting such missions, often detaining activists and seizing cargo. In June, Thunberg was deported after her ship, the Madleen, was stopped. Another attempt in July saw 21 activists detained and vital supplies, including baby formula, confiscated. With Israel intensifying its offensive in Gaza City and restricting aid, the stakes are higher than ever.

The conflict, sparked by a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed 1,200 and saw 251 abducted, continues to fuel global outrage. As the flotilla sails toward Gaza, expected to arrive by mid-September, the world watches: will this be the mission that breaks the blockade?

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