In one of the most ambitious civilian missions in recent years, a flotilla of around 20 boats carrying aid and activists has departed Barcelona in a bid to challenge Israel's naval blockade of Gaza. The Global Sumud Flotilla, setting sail on 31 August 2025, represents the largest collective effort yet to deliver humanitarian relief directly by sea.
More than 300 passengers are on board, including campaigners, medical professionals, journalists and artists. Supported by delegations from 44 countries, the convoy is transporting food, water and medicine, with hopes of reaching Gaza by mid-September. Its organisers aim to create a civilian humanitarian sea corridor to bypass the long-standing blockade.
