Global Sumud Flotilla prepares for Sunday departure to Gaza

The Global Sumud Flotilla is preparing to set sail once again from Barcelona this weekend, with a larger-scale mission focused not only on delivering humanitarian aid but also supporting the reconstruction of Gaza.

A series of public events at Moll de la Fusta, the waterfront promenade in Barcelona's Port Vell, will see off the Gaza aid flotilla over the weekend of April 11-12, before the boats and ships depart on Sunday.

This is the second time the initiative launches from the Catalan capital, after last year's voyage drew international attention when it was intercepted by Israel before reaching Gaza.

Organizers say this year's mission will be significantly bigger. "We are finalizing the last details," said Global Sumud Flotilla spokesperson Pablo Castilla. 

"We have 70 vessels in this mission in total, not all from Barcelona, and more than 1,000 participants from more than 70 countries," he added.

Beyond scale, the flotilla's focus has also evolved. 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.

"We have medicines, food, and also very important this time, material for the reconstruction," Castilla told Catalan News.

He added that the mission includes doctors, teachers, and eco-construction specialists who will work with the Palestinian people to support the reconstruction of Gaza.

Last year's mission featured well-known figures such as former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau, climate activist Greta Thunberg, and actor Susan Sarandon. While organizers say names for this edition will be announced in the coming days, they stressed that "it is not about the people that are on board, but about the Palestinian people."

Organizers acknowledge that they are "conscious of the risks and dangers involved in the mission" but they "are more afraid of not acting against this situation."

They frame the mission within a broader political context, arguing that the situation in Gaza remains critical despite recent developments. 

He pointed to continued violence and what he described as growing militarization in the region, while also criticizing international actors for maintaining ties with Israel. According to organizers, the flotilla is intended not only to deliver aid but also to denounce what they see as global inaction and to push for greater international accountability.

In addition to the maritime effort, organizers are planning parallel mobilizations on land, aiming to build broader awareness and support. 

Events at Moll de la Fusta on Saturday, April 11, will include talks, concerts, and activities linking the situation in Gaza to wider global issues such as militarization and climate change.

Citizens will also have the opportunity to visit Arctic Sunrise, a ship of environmental activism organisation Greenpeace, also participating in the Flotilla this year. People can visit the ship until around 2pm on Saturday at Port Vell.

The large vessel is equipped with lifeboats for emergencies and enough food supplies to sustain the 30 people expected to be on board throughout the voyage.