Campaigns to End Israels Siege on Gaza Date Back Decades

A Flotilla Set to Depart from Barcelona, Bound for Gaza

Approximately 1,000 volunteers from 70 countries are participating in a massive flotilla, set to depart from the port of Barcelona on Sunday. The “Global Resilience Flotilla” aims to deliver humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, which has been under an Israeli blockade since 2007.

The flotilla boasts a significant increase in participation compared to previous missions. Organisers have coordinated with Palestinian civil society organisations, maritime security experts, and prominent international NGOs, including Greenpeace and Open Arms.

The vessels are loaded with food, medicine, school bags, and stationery for Palestinian children. The primary goal of the mission is to deliver humanitarian aid and open a corridor by sea and land.

According to organisers, the flotilla’s departure comes at a time when international attention on Gaza has been declining due to ongoing conflicts in other regions. Israel has tightened its blockade, restricting aid and expanding settlements in Palestinian territory.

The Gaza Strip has faced an unprecedented humanitarian crisis since Israel’s genocidal war against Palestinians began in October 2023. The prolonged assault has devastated infrastructure, including hospitals, and left approximately 1.5 million residents displaced and homeless.

This is not the first flotilla to attempt to break the Gaza blockade. Previous missions have been intercepted or attacked by Israel in international waters. In 2008, two boats from the Free Gaza Movement successfully reached Gaza, marking the first breach of Israel’s naval blockade.

The flotilla’s departure follows a similar incident in early October 2025, when the first Global Resilience Flotilla was intercepted and hundreds were arrested. The mission is expected to take place in coordination with Palestinian civil society organisations and international NGOs.

Source: Al Jazeera