Gaza aid flotilla boats make technical stop in Balearic Islands

Some boats of the Global Sumud Flotilla are making a technical stop in the Balearic Islands.

According to the organizers, the stop was planned in Menorca, but Catalunya Ràdio journalist Marta Viana, who is traveling on one of the boats, reported that some will also go to Mallorca.

She added that initially they also had to stop in Menorca, but in the end only boats with mechanical problems are making the stop in order to repair them.

Once the issues are resolved, the boats will regroup and continue on course for Gaza.

Additionally, organizers say that in the coming days around twenty more boats will join the mission.

Although some "smaller" boats had to return to port due to bad weather, the "majority" of the expedition that left Barcelona continues to sail.

In a statement, they reiterate their aim to form "the largest civilian flotilla in history" in order to "break the blockade on Gaza, denounce the genocide, and demand the opening of a maritime corridor that guarantees the entry of humanitarian aid."

Organizers urged governments and international institutions to safeguard the flotilla until it arrives "safely" to Gaza.

Specifically, they have urged the Spanish government to comply with this protection and deploy all the political and diplomatic measures necessary to guarantee safety.

The expedition, which includes Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and former mayor of Barcelona Ada Colau, had to abort the first departure last Sunday due to weather conditions but finally set sail on Monday.

The former mayor explained that drones flew over some of the ships on Tuesday, but she assured "there was no security problem" despite the fact it is not known who the drones belong to. In any case, she said that the members of the flotilla took advantage of the event to "practice protocols" in case an Israeli drone arrives.

The flotilla's forecast is to reach the Gaza Strip in 14 days, although the schedule could be altered if incidents occur.

Colau recalled that the mission's objective is to "draw attention to the situation in Gaza and to "increase pressure on governments."