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An international flotilla carrying activists, politicians, and artists from more than 44 countries set sail from Barcelona on Sunday, aiming to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, named after the Arabic word for “steadfastness,” consists of about 20 boats carrying more than 300 participants, including doctors, journalists, and campaigners. The convoy will sail across the Mediterranean, stopping in Italy, Greece, and Tunisia before attempting to reach Gaza.
Barcelona, which cut all institutional ties with Israel earlier this year over genocide in Gaza, was chosen as the symbolic departure point.
Among the prominent figures on board are Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, Irish actor Liam Cunningham, Spanish actor Eduardo Fernandez, and former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau.
Before departure, Thunberg described Gaza as “a clear example of oppression, genocide, and ethnic cleansing.”
“Israel is killing, and the whole world is watching this genocide live,” she said. “I am horrified to see people continue with their lives and act as if nothing is happening while watching genocide unfold live on their phones. Israel wants to wipe out the Palestinian people. If this does not push people to take action, get up from their couches, and organize, then I don’t know what will.”
Thunberg added that governments remaining silent were “as guilty as Israel itself” and stressed the need to “try every possible way” to reach Gaza and open a humanitarian corridor. Asked about the risk of Israeli interception, she said: “We have a Plan B. To turn back and start again. This is a clean mission, a humanitarian mission.”
Spanish actor Fernandez said: “Whether we like it or not, Gaza is a mirror reflecting all of us. It is impossible not to take a position here. Every boat sailing toward Gaza is a cry for human dignity. This mission is not a threat; it is an act of humanity against barbarity. Silence is complicity. And silence kills as much as bombs do.”
Cunningham highlighted the image of a Palestinian girl killed in Gaza and urged governments to impose sanctions on Israel. “The international community and governments must impose sanctions on Israel to stop this genocide,” he said. “What has happened so far -- silence and inaction -- reflects the world’s failure and marks a shameful period in history.”
Colau, who as mayor spearheaded Barcelona’s decision to cut ties with Israel, said: “International civilian mobilization has forced cowardly institutions -- too afraid to act -- to take a stand. Israel is killing children, humanity, and international law. Gaza is not alone.”
Activists Yasemin Acar, Thiago Avila, and Saif Abukeshek called the mission “entirely peaceful and humanitarian,” while criticizing the complicity of international institutions. “This is a mission of solidarity. Why don’t governments act? Why is a humanitarian corridor not being opened? Sanctions against Israel must be imposed immediately,” they said.
Hundreds gathered at Barcelona’s port to wave off the flotilla, many holding Palestinian flags and chanting “Free Palestine” and “Boycott Israel.” The event drew widespread coverage in the international press.
The flotilla takes its name from “Sumud,” a concept that emerged among Palestinians after the 1967 Six-Day War to describe resilience and non-violent resistance through remaining on their land, preserving culture, and building alternative institutions. In Palestinian art, it is often symbolized by the olive tree or the image of a pregnant peasant woman.
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