A second humanitarian flotilla set sail on Sunday from Barcelona, Spain, with the goal of breaking the Israeli blockade on Gaza. Approximately 30 vessels departed the Mediterranean port city, loaded with medical supplies and other essential aid. Additional boats are expected to join the convoy en route to Palestine.
Last October, the Israeli military intercepted a similar fleet of around 40 boats organized by the same group, detaining over 450 participants, including Swedish activist Greta Thunberg. Israel maintains strict control over all access points to the Gaza Strip and denies restricting supplies to its population of more than two million.
However, Palestinians and international aid organizations argue that the flow of goods remains inadequate despite a ceasefire agreement reached in October, which included commitments to increase aid deliveries. Actor Liam Cunningham, known for his role in the Game of Thrones series and a supporter of the flotilla though not participating, remarked that the need for such missions highlights a failure by governments to fulfill their legal responsibilities to assist those in need.
The World Health Organization has emphasized that even during armed conflicts, international humanitarian law obligates states to ensure safe access to medical care. Saif Abukeshak, a Palestinian activist and member of the flotilla’s organizing committee, described the mission as an effort to establish a humanitarian corridor to facilitate aid delivery.
Activists from Switzerland and Spain who participated in last year’s flotilla reported experiencing harsh conditions during their detention by Israeli forces, allegations that were denied by an Israeli foreign ministry representative.
