Flotilla led by Greta Thunberg departs Barcelona to aid Gaza

A multinational flotilla led by Swedish activist Greta Thunberg is set to depart from Barcelona on Sunday in an effort to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and challenge Israel’s naval blockade, organisers said. The Global Sumud Flotilla, which includes lawmakers and public figures from several countries, describes the mission as the largest solidarity effort yet, with boats also planned to leave from other Mediterranean ports in early September and an expected arrival in Gaza in mid September.

Organisers said dozens of vessels and hundreds of participants from 44 countries will take part, and that parallel demonstrations will be staged in multiple countries. The flotilla’s stated aim is to open a humanitarian corridor into Gaza, deliver aid and compel an end to what organisers called an illegal and inhumane siege. Brazilian activist Thiago Avila called it the largest solidarity mission in history, while organiser Saif Abukeshek urged governments to pressure Israel to allow safe passage.

Thunberg, part of the flotilla’s steering committee, told reporters that such missions should not be necessary and that governments have a legal duty to uphold international law and prevent war...