‘Freedom Flotilla’ in Barcelona before Second Bid to Reach Gaza

IQNA – After arriving in Barcelona, the Global Sumud Flotilla — a small fleet of activist ships aiming to challenge the Israeli regime’s naval restrictions — spent Saturday at port, preparing to resume their journey to Gaza on Sunday.

Formed to break the blockade on Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid, the flotilla will sail this time with expanded participation, with its largest participation coming from Spain.

Around 70 boats carrying up to 1,000 volunteers from 70 countries are expected to depart on April 12, nearly doubling the size of the previous mission in September 2025.

Flotilla spokesperson Pablo Castilla said the initiative aims to condemn international complicity in Israel’s actions in Gaza, demand accountability, and establish a humanitarian corridor by sea and land.

He said international attention on Gaza has declined due to recent regional developments, adding that Israel has intensified its blockade, restricted aid entry, expanded settlements, and accelerated land seizure. He emphasized that the mission complies with international law. Greenpeace will also participate the mission along with other NGOs.

Last September, the flotilla set sail from Spain, and eventually included 43 boats and 462 people. Before it could reach Gaza, Israeli forces boarded the vessels and took the participants into custody, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg.

Organizers say this year’s flotilla will be the largest mission yet, including more than 1,000 participants and 100 vessels in parallel with land mobilizations.

Source: Middle East Monitor