In a historic move, the Global Sumud Flotilla—the largest civilian flotilla ever assembled—departed from the Port of Barcelona on Sunday, August 31, with the aim of breaking the Israeli blockade imposed on Gaza.
Carrying over 300 participants from 44 countries aboard 20 vessels, the mission seeks to deliver vital humanitarian aid to Palestinians facing acute shortages, mass displacement, and famine.
Coordinated by international grassroots organisations including the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, Global Gaza Movement, Steadfastness Flotilla, and Malaysia’s Sumud Nusantara Organisation, the initiative marks a significant global mobilisation for humanitarian intervention.
Also ReadIsrael to scale back Gaza aid as military offensive expands in north
Departing under tight security, the fleet carries medical professionals, independent journalists, aid workers, and human rights advocates. The next staging point is Tunisia, where the mission is scheduled to continue on September 4.
“HISTORY IS BEING MADE TODAY,” read a statement on the group’s official X account. “Today, the largest civilian flotilla ever assembled has set sail from Spain, carrying hope and humanitarian aid to Gaza.”
HISTORY IS BEING MADE TODAYToday, the largest civilian flotilla ever assembled has set sail from Spain, carrying hope and humanitarian aid to Gaza.People from 44 nations, united on dozens of boats, are defying the blockade with solidarity and courage.— Global Sumud Flotilla (@GlobalSumudF) August 31, 2025
Among the prominent figures aboard the mission are Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, Irish actor Liam Cunningham, Spanish actor Eduardo Fernández, and Ada Colau, former mayor of Barcelona.
The Global Sumud Flotilla departs Barcelona carrying aid for Gaza, challenging a blockade that has deprived millions.When governments stay silent, the people rise. pic.twitter.com/ufDuxjLcW3— Global Sumud Flotilla (@GlobalSumudF) August 31, 2025
Greta boarded to flotilla with shirt "We All Are Palestine Action"📷 @thefuddhist (Instagram) pic.twitter.com/Ez1zwpnwAM— Global Sumud Flotilla (@GlobalSumudF) August 31, 2025
The journey begins—voices of hope and solidarity setting sail for Gaza pic.twitter.com/02kEJDwhs8— Global Sumud Flotilla (@GlobalSumudF) August 31, 2025
A massive international flotilla set sail today to break the blockade and deliver urgent aid to Gaza.Over 50 ships from 40+ countries left Spanish ports as part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, carrying doctors, lawyers, artists, and activists like Greta Thunberg.Gaza has been… pic.twitter.com/zVQVuslC1i— Global Sumud Flotilla (@GlobalSumudF) August 31, 2025
Speaking before departure, Thunberg addressed the escalating situation in Gaza, “The world is witnessing genocide in real time. People scroll past images of suffering and return to their routines. Remaining passive makes our governments complicit.”
She emphasised the necessity of direct, civilian-led action to address the humanitarian emergency and breach the siege.
JUST IN: Greta Thunberg before setting sail to Gaza: Palestinians have been dehumanized to such an extent that they are only spoken of in terms of numbers and UN resolutions. pic.twitter.com/N6C9Ch0hoC— Sulaiman Ahmed (@ShaykhSulaiman) August 31, 2025
The operation comes amid a UN-confirmed famine in Gaza, following Israel’s prolonged closure of all entry points since March. Meanwhile, Israel’s military campaign around Gaza City has intensified, reportedly displacing over a million residents.
As of August 31, 63,459 Palestinians have been reported killed, with 160,256 wounded. Thousands remain unaccounted for, while 339 people, including 124 children, have died from starvation, according to health sources in the territory.
Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News, Technology, Entertainment, Sports, Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS.