Aid Flotilla with Greta Thunberg Departs for Gaza from Spain

A flotilla carrying humanitarian aid and international activists, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, departed from Barcelona on Sunday. The mission, called the Global Sumud Flotilla, set sail at 3:30 pm local time, aiming to “break the illegal siege of Gaza,” according to organizers.

The fleet of 20 vessels, flying Palestinian flags, left Spain’s east coast under the watch of supporters gathered at the port. Organizers pledged to open a humanitarian corridor to Gaza and to highlight what they described as the “ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people.” The Arabic word sumud means “resilience,” a principle central to the campaign.

Hundreds Join Humanitarian Mission

The flotilla carries hundreds of people from around the world. Among the passengers are well-known figures, including Irish actor Liam Cunningham, Spanish actor Eduard Fernandez, and former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau. Several European lawmakers also joined the journey, giving the mission political weight.

Organizers emphasized that the participation of artists, activists, and politicians reflects growing international solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. “This is not only a humanitarian convoy but also a global message of justice,” said one spokesperson at the port.

Greta Thunberg Calls for Global Solidarity

Greta Thunberg, best known for her climate activism, said she joined the mission to stand against injustice and human suffering. “The siege of Gaza is a crime against humanity,” she said before boarding. “We cannot stay silent when civilians are starved and denied their basic rights. This flotilla is about hope, resilience, and human dignity.”

Her participation drew wide attention on social media, where supporters praised her decision to broaden her activism beyond environmental issues.

Symbolism and Timing of the Departure

The departure from Barcelona carried symbolic weight. The backdrop of the Sagrada Familia cathedral highlighted the blend of cultural heritage with a call for global conscience. Supporters waved Palestinian flags and banners demanding an end to the blockade, which has lasted for more than 17 years.

The mission plans to reach Gaza in mid-September, though organizers acknowledged possible challenges at sea. Previous flotillas attempting to break the blockade have been intercepted by Israeli naval forces. However, participants insist they are determined to deliver aid and amplify international calls for an end to the siege.

More Vessels to Join from Mediterranean Ports

The Global Sumud Flotilla will expand in the coming days. Dozens of additional vessels are scheduled to depart from Tunisian and other Mediterranean ports on September 4, joining the aid convoy on its way to Gaza.

Organizers said this coordinated effort will form one of the largest humanitarian flotillas in recent years, seeking to pressure governments and international bodies into action.

A Message of Resilience and Resistance

The flotilla represents both a humanitarian and political act. Organizers said the mission aims not only to deliver aid but also to draw global attention to the worsening crisis in Gaza. By bringing together activists, lawmakers, and cultural figures, the campaign highlights a growing movement to challenge the blockade through peaceful resistance at sea.

As the ships sailed out of Barcelona, chants of solidarity echoed across the harbor. Whether the flotilla reaches Gaza remains uncertain, but its departure has already sparked international debate on the humanitarian crisis and the global response to it.

Climate activist Greta Thunberg joins the fight for justice again and boards the Sumoud Flotilla while wearing a shirt that supports Palestine Action. pic.twitter.com/dWSECbMwoS

— PALESTINE ONLINE 🇵🇸 (@OnlinePalEng) August 31, 2025

Israel and Zionists literally going crazy, feeling deseperate already as Greta Thunberg Sets Sail for Gaza again pic.twitter.com/TjO6fU1fv8

— Furkan Gözükara (@GozukaraFurkan) August 31, 2025

📍Barcelona, Spain pic.twitter.com/jEaiwNsK6t

— PALESTINE ONLINE 🇵🇸 (@OnlinePalEng) September 1, 2025

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