Barcelona: Dozens of ships and boats carrying humanitarian aid set sail from the Spanish port of Barcelona on Sunday, aiming to break the Israeli occupation blockade on Gaza. "This is a global uprising of people refusing to tolerate genocide. World leaders must guarantee the safe passage of this flotilla or share responsibility for Israel's crimes," said Abu Keshk, spokesperson for the Global Sumud Flotilla, during a press conference in Barcelona.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Swedish activist Greta Thunberg emphasized that elected governments have a responsibility to uphold international law and prevent war crimes and genocide but have failed in these duties. The civilian flotilla, which represents one of the largest aid efforts in support of Gaza, comprises volunteers, activists, and prominent figures from 44 countries.
On the day of departure, 20 ships left Barcelona, carrying more than 300 individuals who had undergone intensive training over the previous two days. More than 6,000 people volunteered to join the mission. The Spanish ships are expected to rendezvous with others coming from Tunisia and other Mediterranean countries, forming the largest flotilla yet to challenge the Israeli blockade on Gaza, according to the Global Sumud Flotilla.