Sailing for Gaza: Greta Thunberg Joins Activists to Break the Siege

Thu Oct 23 2025 02:58:10 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A flotilla carrying pro-Palestinian activists, including climate activist Greta Thunberg, sets sail from Barcelona to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza amid ongoing conflicts.

In a significant move for humanitarian activism, a flotilla of boats departed from Barcelona, carrying over 350 pro-Palestinian activists, including renowned climate campaigner Greta Thunberg. The mission aims to breach the blockade imposed on Gaza by Israel. This initiative follows a previous attempt that ended in arrest and is part of a broader movement to deliver much-needed supplies to the region amidst increasing humanitarian crises.

A flotilla of boats headed for Gaza carrying 350 pro-Palestinian activists - including climate change campaigner Greta Thunberg - has departed from Barcelona. Around 20 vessels displaying Palestinian flags left the Spanish port at 19:00 local time on Monday, stocked with medical and food supplies.

The flotilla first attempted to set sail on Sunday, but had to return to port due to stormy weather. The aim of the mission is to break Israel's illegal siege on Gaza, the organizers said - though a previous attempt to reach Gaza by sea was intercepted by Israeli forces.

The Global Sumud Flotilla Mission plans to launch in two waves - the first from Barcelona and the second from Tunis on 4 September. Activists hope the boats will converge in the Mediterranean before sailing towards Gaza, a trip estimated to take seven or eight days.

We are sailing again to break the siege and open up a humanitarian corridor, Thunberg stated in a video message.

Punk singer Bob Vylan, who made headlines for his controversial remarks at Glastonbury, supported the activists as brave individuals during the flotilla's departure. Israeli authorities have previously dismissed similar missions as publicity stunts, asserting they do not provide real humanitarian aid.

This mission raises considerable attention given Israel's nearly three-month total blockade on goods entering Gaza, exacerbated by the UN declaring famine conditions in parts of the territory. Thunberg and past activists faced interception by Israeli forces during a prior voyage aiming to deliver humanitarian assistance.

The flotilla symbolizes a collective effort to address ongoing humanitarian needs linked to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict while advocating for civil rights and environmental stewardship.