Greta Thunberg's Aid Flotilla Preparing to Depart for Gaza

Humanitarian Flotilla to Gaza

• Departure Details: A flotilla carrying humanitarian aid and activists, including Greta Thunberg, is set to leave Barcelona on Sunday to challenge the blockade of Gaza. The exact number of ships and departure time have not been disclosed.
• Mission Goals: The Global Sumud Flotilla aims to establish a humanitarian corridor and address what they describe as the genocide of the Palestinian people. Activists claim this will be the largest solidarity mission in history, surpassing all previous attempts combined.

Activist Participation

• Diverse Representation: The flotilla will feature activists from various countries, European lawmakers, and notable figures like former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau. Thunberg is part of the steering committee for the mission.
• Global Solidarity Actions: On September 4, simultaneous demonstrations and protests are planned in 44 countries to show solidarity with the Palestinian people.

Previous Attempts and Challenges

• Blocked Missions: The flotilla is independent and has faced previous challenges, with two prior attempts to deliver aid to Gaza being blocked by Israeli forces in June and July. In these incidents, activists were intercepted and detained.
• Escalating Humanitarian Crisis: The humanitarian situation in Gaza has deteriorated, with the UN declaring a state of famine affecting 500,000 people. The ongoing conflict, which began with a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, has resulted in significant casualties, including 1,219 deaths in Israel and at least 63,371 in Gaza, primarily civilians.