Barcelona: A humanitarian flotilla en route to Gaza was forced to turn back to Barcelona on Monday after encountering severe weather conditions, organizers confirmed. The convoy, which included dozens of vessels carrying essential aid, activists, and high-profile figures such as Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and actor Liam Cunningham, had set sail on Sunday with the aim of breaking Israel's naval blockade to deliver supplies to the besieged territory.
The Global Sumud Flotilla Mission, responsible for organizing the journey, reported that strong winds reaching approximately 35 mph (56 kph) made it unsafe for the fleet to continue. Officials emphasized that the decision to return was a precautionary measure to protect both participants and vessels, particularly the smaller boats that are more vulnerable in stormy seas. No new departure date has yet been announced, leaving the timeline for the aid delivery uncertain.
Gaza has endured nearly two years of conflict, with severe shortages of food, medicine, and basic supplies. The flotilla aimed to provide critical humanitarian assistance while drawing international attention to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region. Organizers stressed that their mission remains committed despite the setback and vowed to continue efforts to reach the territory safely.
Israel, which has maintained a naval blockade of Gaza since 2007, insists the restrictions are necessary to prevent weapons from reaching Hamas. Israeli authorities have historically labeled flotilla missions as political stunts or propaganda efforts, raising tensions whenever attempts are made to breach the blockade.
As the convoy returned to Barcelona, the question of when it will resume its journey remains open. Organizers and participants have expressed determination to continue the mission, highlighting the urgency of humanitarian needs in Gaza and the international community’s attention to the situation.