The 20 ships, which have a crew of more than 300 people, including Swedish activist Greta Samberg and Irish actor Liam Cunningham, departed for Gaza on Sunday from the port of Barcelona to establish a humanitarian corridor.
Global SUMUD Flotilla is the fourth attempt so far this year to break the maritime lockdown. This is the biggest attempt to destroy the long-standing Israeli blockade of Palestinian territory at sea.
Among the crew of the fleet is Swedish climate activist Greta Samberg. Greta Samberg says “people are awakened to this massacre,” criticizing the world’s silence in the face of Israel’s disregard for international law.
Irish actor Liam Cunningham is known for his role in the series Games of Thrones, but will be taking part. At a press conference before his departure in Barcelona, Cunningham performed a video showing the girl singing while planning her funeral. The girl, Fatima, passed away four days ago, he said.
“What kind of world did you slip into the place where the kids arrange their funerals?” the Irish actor told reporters.
Ada Korou, former mayor of Barcelona, also attended the farewell ceremony. He highlighted the city’s historic commitment to the Palestinian cause, recalling that Barcelona was “the first city in Europe to break through its institutional ties with Israel.”
Spanish actor Eduardo Fernandez also showed his support, describing each boat as a “cry of dignity.” Spain was one of the first countries to recognize the Palestinian province in May 2024.
Meanwhile, in the city of Genoa, Italy, Food Drive has raised more than 300 tons of humanitarian aid collection. The aid-carrying ship will depart from the city and will take part in the expedition in the next few days.
On Saturday, 40,000 people took part in the city’s Torchlight march to celebrate the fleet.
Genoa Mayor Sylvia Salis also joined in March and declared, “I am proud to be the mayor of the city, but tonight is even more.”
Representatives of the Democrats and Greens and the Alliance on the Left expressed their support and called on Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government to ensure protection of Italian citizens heading to Gaza.
In Portugal, participation is a general political debate. Mariana Mortágua, coordinator for MP and left block.
Moltagua hoped her parliamentary immunity would be useful for her mission, but Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Langel made clear that “parliamentary immunity will not award diplomatic immunity” and that the Portuguese government has no obligation to protect or involve humanitarian fluorescent plates under international law.
However, crew members will receive consul protection. This applies to the citizens of Portugal.
“The Portuguese state uses consular protection when there is a problem,” Rangel reassured.
The purpose and condemnation of the fleet of Israel’s attacks in Gaza
Flotilla spokesman Saif Abukeshek explained that the mission is attempting to establish a humanitarian corridor in Gaza. His testimony states that the lack of water, electricity and food in Palestinian territory is “intentional” and “so is the bombing of hospitals and schools.
Abkeshek is expected to have around 70 boats on the final leg of the journey. The fleet could arrive in Gaza around September 14th or 15th, he added.
German human rights activist Yasemin Acar, a member of the steering committee, said the fluid would have more boats departing from Greece, Italy and Tunisia.
Acar also condemned the murder of journalists in Gaza, accusing them of being a part of what described several countries as genocide.
Government support and background
The initiative was supported by Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Alvarez, who has affirmed that Spain would provide “all necessary protection” to its Spanish crew.
He emphasized that the Spanish government has long sought unlimited access to Gaza for humanitarian workers, and pledged the same level of consular support extended to previous fleets.
Nevertheless, the mission faces a troublesome precedent. In the past, Israeli forces have intercepted other fleets trying to reach Gaza, including the well-known free fleet. Israeli forces confiscated medical supplies and food targeting Palestinians in Gaza and were on board the vessels with great force.
Despite these risks, organizers said, “We don’t know what will happen, but we’re absolutely sure we’ll organize again.”