Smaller watercrafts challenging naval blockade in Gaza
The Global Sumud Flotilla, a significant international effort aimed at delivering aid to the Gaza Strip, has set sail from Barcelona, Spain. This flotilla, the largest of its kind, boasts participants from 44 countries and consists of around 20 boats. The journey, expected to take at least two weeks, hopes to break Israel's maritime blockade that has long been a source of contention.
The term "Sumud" translates to "steadfastness" in Arabic, reflecting the resilience and determination of the participants. Among them is Greta Thunberg, renowned for her climate activism, who has also expressed her solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
Thunberg, along with other activists, was met with controversy when she was deported by Israeli authorities, who accused her of being part of a PR stunt. However, she has vehemently denied any allegations of antisemitism, stating that it is not antisemitic to advocate for peace, freedom, and dignity for Palestinians.
Critics have accused Thunberg of ignoring the Hamas massacre of October 7, 2023, and not publicly calling for the release of hostages in the Gaza Strip. Yet, Thunberg remains undeterred, continuing her advocacy for Palestinian rights.
The Spanish government in Madrid and the Barcelona city council have not shown official support for the Global Sumud Flotilla; the fleet departed from Barcelona but is organized by international pro-Palestinian activists without explicit government backing from Spain or its local authorities.
However, recent developments suggest a change in the political landscape. Yolanda Díaz, the second deputy prime minister and minister of labor in Spain, has called for the suspension of diplomatic relations with Israel. This call adds weight to the ongoing efforts of the Global Sumud Flotilla.
Saif Abukeshek, a Palestinian resident of Spain and one of the organizers, has accused Israel of committing genocide in the Gaza Strip. He urges political pressure on Israel to ensure the success of the action and calls for an end to the "illegal blockade" and killings in the coastal region.
The Israeli authorities have consistently prevented attempts to break the blockade in the past, most recently intercepting an Italian boat in July. The fate of the Global Sumud Flotilla remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the spirit of steadfastness and determination among its participants is unwavering.
Thunberg's previous solidarity action aboard the "Madleen" ended in failure when Israeli soldiers boarded the vessel around 200 kilometers off the Gaza Strip's coast on June 9, 2025. Yet, the activist remains hopeful, continuing to advocate for peace and justice in the region.
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