Thunberg Returns in Global Sumud Flotilla’s Second Voyage Toward Gaza

After an abrupt weather-induced halt, Greta Thunberg has once again embarked on the Global Sumud Flotilla, a massive civilian-led maritime humanitarian mission aiming to break Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza. The convoy, which paused shortly after departing Barcelona due to stormy conditions, resumed its journey Monday evening amid renewed determination from its participants.

With around 20 vessels carrying activists, aid supplies, and figures like Thunberg, former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau, and actor Liam Cunningham, the flotilla is being reinforced by additional ships gathering in ports across Italy and Tunisia. Organisers anticipate this could become the largest flotilla since 2008, with ambitions to deliver food, water, and medical supplies directly to Gaza.

Meanwhile, concerns are mounting over Israel’s planned response. Reports suggest that the government led by Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir may treat the flotilla’s participants as terrorists, potentially detaining them for weeks under harsh conditions and seizing their vessels. Israel has defended its blockade as lawful, asserting its right to enforce maritime restrictions amid ongoing conflict.

The renewed dispatch contrasts sharply with mounting opposition. Dockworkers in Genoa have threatened to halt all European cargo bound for Israel should any interference with the flotilla occur, emphasising solidarity with the mission and the gravity of its humanitarian intent

As the ships make their way south, organisers emphasise that obstacles like weather, interferences, and legal threats underscore the urgency of their objective: to establish a people-led humanitarian corridor to Gaza and draw global attention to the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

Sources: The Guardian, The Independent.