A new humanitarian flotilla is preparing to depart from Barcelona on Sunday, marking the latest international effort to deliver aid to Gaza and challenge Israel’s long-standing blockade on the

territory.

Around 30 vessels are expected to leave the Spanish port carrying medical supplies, food, and essential goods as part of the Global Sumud Flotilla. Organizers say additional boats could join the convoy as it moves across the Mediterranean toward Palestinian waters.

The mission comes amid continuing concern over humanitarian conditions in Gaza, where more than two million residents face shortages of basic necessities. Israel, which maintains tight control over Gaza’s airspace, coastline, and most land crossings, has long argued that the blockade is necessary for security reasons, particularly to prevent weapons from reaching militant groups. However, humanitarian organizations and Palestinian officials say the restrictions severely limit the flow of critical supplies, including medicine, fuel, and construction materials.

Although a ceasefire agreement reached last October included provisions to increase aid deliveries, international agencies report that the volume of assistance entering Gaza remains insufficient to meet growing needs. The World Health Organization has emphasized that, under international humanitarian law, civilians must have safe access to medical care even during conflict.

Organizers of the flotilla describe the mission as an attempt to establish a direct humanitarian corridor by sea. “This is about ensuring aid can reach people who desperately need it,” said Saif Abukeshak, a member of the organizing committee.

The effort follows a previous attempt last year, when roughly 40 boats were intercepted by Israeli forces before reaching Gaza. More than 450 participants, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, were detained. Some activists later alleged they were subjected to harsh conditions while in custody, claims that Israeli authorities denied.

Public figures have also voiced support for the initiative. Actor Liam Cunningham, known for his role in *Game of Thrones*, backed the flotilla’s goals, saying the mission highlights a broader failure by governments to meet their legal and moral obligations to provide humanitarian assistance.

As the flotilla prepares to depart, tensions remain high over whether it will be allowed to approach Gaza’s shores — and whether it can succeed where previous missions have failed. Photo by Brahim Guedich, Wikimedia commons.