The Global Sumud Flotilla successfully departed Barcelona for Gaza Monday evening after a dramatic weather delay that forced the convoy to return to port just hours after its initial Sunday departure. The mission, described as the largest maritime attempt to break Israel's naval blockade of Gaza, resumed its journey despite facing winds exceeding 56 kilometers per hour that posed risks to smaller vessels in the fleet.
https://www.wdio.com/ap-top-news/fl...arcelona-for-a-second-time-after-storm-delay/
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Storm Forces Initial Return
The flotilla's Sunday afternoon departure from Barcelona was met with fanfare as thousands of pro-Palestinian supporters gathered at the city's old port to see off approximately 20 boats carrying humanitarian aid and 300 activists from 44 countries. However, the mission was quickly thwarted by severe weather conditions, forcing organizers to return to port "to prioritize safety" after conducting what they described as a "sea trial".
According to Reuters, winds reaching 35 mph created dangerous conditions for the smaller boats in the convoy. Spain's national weather agency AEMET had issued warnings for rainfall and strong storms across Catalonia and other regions.
Mission Resumes Under Cover of Darkness
Following a Monday morning meeting to assess conditions, the Global Sumud Flotilla departed Barcelona again Monday evening, with Reuters footage showing boats sounding their horns as activists chanted "Free, free Palestine" at the port. The second departure was notably quieter than Sunday's ceremonial send-off, taking place after sunset.
The convoy is expected to meet additional vessels from Italy, Greece, and Tunisia, with organizers projecting that approximately 70 boats will participate in the final leg of the journey to Gaza. Flotilla spokesperson Saif Abukeshek told Spanish television that the fleet could reach Gaza around September 14 or 15.
High-Profile Participants and Humanitarian Goals
The flotilla carries prominent figures including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau, and Irish actor Liam Cunningham from "Game of Thrones". The mission has also received support from Academy Award-winning actress Susan Sarandon.
The convoy is transporting food, water, and medicine to Gaza, where the United Nations has declared a famine affecting Gaza City and warned that 500,000 people across the strip face "catastrophic" levels of hunger. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, 340 Palestinians have died of malnutrition, including 124 children, during the nearly two-year conflict.
Israeli Opposition and Previous Attempts
Israel is expected to intercept the flotilla before it reaches Gaza waters, as it has done with three previous attempts this year. In June, Thunberg was among 12 activists detained when Israeli forces stopped the vessel Madleen 185 kilometers west of Gaza. Israel maintains its blockade, established in 2007, is necessary to prevent weapons smuggling to Hamas.
The Global Sumud Flotilla represents what organizers call the most significant challenge yet to the 18-year Israeli blockade, bringing together coalitions from six continents in what they describe as an "independent" mission not affiliated with any government or political party.
https://www.wdio.com/ap-top-news/fl...arcelona-for-a-second-time-after-storm-delay/
nbcnews.com
Storm Forces Initial Return
The flotilla's Sunday afternoon departure from Barcelona was met with fanfare as thousands of pro-Palestinian supporters gathered at the city's old port to see off approximately 20 boats carrying humanitarian aid and 300 activists from 44 countries. However, the mission was quickly thwarted by severe weather conditions, forcing organizers to return to port "to prioritize safety" after conducting what they described as a "sea trial".
According to Reuters, winds reaching 35 mph created dangerous conditions for the smaller boats in the convoy. Spain's national weather agency AEMET had issued warnings for rainfall and strong storms across Catalonia and other regions.
Mission Resumes Under Cover of Darkness
Following a Monday morning meeting to assess conditions, the Global Sumud Flotilla departed Barcelona again Monday evening, with Reuters footage showing boats sounding their horns as activists chanted "Free, free Palestine" at the port. The second departure was notably quieter than Sunday's ceremonial send-off, taking place after sunset.
The convoy is expected to meet additional vessels from Italy, Greece, and Tunisia, with organizers projecting that approximately 70 boats will participate in the final leg of the journey to Gaza. Flotilla spokesperson Saif Abukeshek told Spanish television that the fleet could reach Gaza around September 14 or 15.
High-Profile Participants and Humanitarian Goals
The flotilla carries prominent figures including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau, and Irish actor Liam Cunningham from "Game of Thrones". The mission has also received support from Academy Award-winning actress Susan Sarandon.
The convoy is transporting food, water, and medicine to Gaza, where the United Nations has declared a famine affecting Gaza City and warned that 500,000 people across the strip face "catastrophic" levels of hunger. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, 340 Palestinians have died of malnutrition, including 124 children, during the nearly two-year conflict.
Israeli Opposition and Previous Attempts
Israel is expected to intercept the flotilla before it reaches Gaza waters, as it has done with three previous attempts this year. In June, Thunberg was among 12 activists detained when Israeli forces stopped the vessel Madleen 185 kilometers west of Gaza. Israel maintains its blockade, established in 2007, is necessary to prevent weapons smuggling to Hamas.
The Global Sumud Flotilla represents what organizers call the most significant challenge yet to the 18-year Israeli blockade, bringing together coalitions from six continents in what they describe as an "independent" mission not affiliated with any government or political party.