Global Sumud Flotilla sets sail after delays to 'break the blockade' of Gaza

The Global Sumud Flotilla set sail on Wednesday morning from Port Fòrum in Barcelona with the stated goal of "breaking the blockade" of Gaza.

The humanitarian mission began its voyage after postponing its departure on Sunday due to bad weather conditions. Forecasts now point to an improvement, with more stable conditions expected throughout the week.

The flotilla is carrying humanitarian aid, medical supplies, and materials for reconstruction and education.

Organizers are calling on governments and institutions to establish a permanent maritime and land corridor to Gaza to ensure the delivery of assistance under international supervision.

They also stress the need to guarantee reconstruction efforts led by Palestinians.

The departure follows a weekend of preparations at Moll de la Fusta in Barcelona, where organizers hosted workshops, and live music events, ending in a public send-off for the vessels. 

Strong winds and rain forced a delay, though the boats made a symbolic departure accompanied by thousands of supporters.

The flotilla has now started its way across the Mediterranean Sea, aiming to reach Gaza by May, according to expedition member Ariadna Masmitjà of the Alternative Trade Union of Catalonia.

She acknowledged that the journey comes amid a "more tense" context due to the conflict in the Middle East, but insisted that the mission is lawful and accused Israel of acting outside international law.

This year's flotilla includes around 30 boats so far, with plans to involve up to 1,000 participants from 70 countries across some 70 vessels. 

Among the ships docked in Barcelona were Greenpeace's 'Arctic Sunrise', providing maritime and technical support, and the Catalan refugee rescue NGO Open Arms vessel, offering logistical assistance.

Coordinator Abukeshek added that "what has not changed" since the last mission is Israel's continued actions in Palestine, which he described as "genocide" and "colonization."

He underscored the importance of the initiative and called for mobilization not only at sea but also among the citizens.

A new element this year is the delivery to Gaza of school supplies, including backpacks donated by around 80 schools and youth organizations from Catalonia, Valencia, the Balearic Islands, and Galicia.

Catalan representation

The Catalan delegation includes around 40 participants from trade unions, political groups, and social movements. 

Among them are political left-wing figure Laura Campos, Masmitjà and Jordi Gassiot of the Alternative Trade Union, Manaia Lasnier of independentist organisation Arran, activist Maria Zendrera, CGT union members including Saturnino Mercader, and Judit Piñol, one of the spokespersons supporting the flotilla during protest encampments in Barcelona.

Previous expedition

The flotilla departs seven months after a previous expedition that included former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau, Barcelona councilor for the pro-independence Esquerra Republicana party Jordi Coronas, and activist Greta Thunberg, among others. 

That mission was intercepted by Israeli forces near the Gaza coast. 

Participants were detained, and some activists later reported degrading treatment. The detentions sparked protests across Catalonia, including demonstrations in response to the arrests of Colau and Coronas.