Gaza-bound flotilla delays departure from Barcelona due to bad weather

The Global Sumud Flotilla has postponed its departure from Barcelona to international waters until "weather conditions allow it," organisers said on Sunday.

Speaking at Barcelona's Moll de la Fusta, where 39 vessels are docked ahead of a planned journey to Gaza, mission member Thiago Ávila said the decision was taken for safety reasons.

He said organisers wanted to avoid a repeat of the previous mission in October, when boats were forced to turn back just hours after setting sail.

Thousands of people, more than 2,000, according to organisers, gathered to see off the vessels on Sunday.

Around 30 boats made a symbolic departure, moving to another port within Barcelona.

A full departure is now likely to take place "early in the morning" on a different day, Ávila said.

Additional boats from Italy and Sicily are expected to join the mission, bringing the total to around 70, he explained.

Ávila also pointed to "learning and adaptation" from the October mission, adding that having "many more" vessels this time would give the flotilla greater "strength" if intercepted again by Israel near Gaza.

Performers including Joan Dausà, Suu and Nausicaa Bonnin took to a stage set up for weekend events. Music performances were accompanied by displays from the Castellers of Barcelona and the Ketura Batucada group.

Among the 39 vessels currently docked in Barcelona are the Arctic Sunrise, operated by Greenpeace, which will provide maritime, technical and operational support, and a ship run by Open Arms, which will also offer technical and logistical assistance.

Alongside medical supplies and food, participants will transport materials aimed at rebuilding infrastructure in Gaza, as well as professionals ready to assist on the ground.

Catalan delegation

The Catalan delegation includes around 40 participants from trade unions, politics, civil society organisations and social movements.

Among them are former Montcada i Reixac mayor Laura Campos (from the left-wing Comuns party), trade unionists Ariadna Masmitjà 'Masmi' and Jordi Gassiot, activist Judit Piñol, Arran member Manaia Lasnier, activist Maria Zendrera and CGT members including Saturnino Mercader 'Merca'.