Naval Convoy Attempts Largest Breach of Israeli Blockade on Gaza Strip

A flotilla of ships, including one captained by Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, has departed from Barcelona, aiming to deliver humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. The Global Sumud Flotilla, now in its fourth attempt this year to break the maritime blockade, is expected to reach Gaza around September 14 or 15.

The fleet includes delegations from 44 countries, carrying food, water, and medicine, as well as activists demanding safe passage and the opening of a humanitarian sea corridor. The aid is desperately needed, as the war between Israel and Gaza, which began on October 7, 2023, has claimed the lives of over 1200 people, most of them civilians. At least 332 Palestinians have died of malnutrition, including 124 children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

The ships of the Global Sumud Flotilla are set to depart from ports in Italy (specifically from Genoa) and Tunisia around September 10. Around 70 boats are expected to take part in the final leg of the journey.

However, the journey is not without its dangers. In May, the Conscience, a boat in the flotilla, was attacked by drones after setting sail from Malta. Another aid ship, the Handala, was stopped by the Israeli military in late July, and its cargo, including baby formula, food, and medicine, was seized.

Despite these challenges, the activists remain undeterred. Liam Cunningham, an actor, showed a video of a girl named Fatima planning her own funeral during a news conference before the departure of the flotilla. Fatima, a child from Gaza, died four days ago.

Meanwhile, an Israeli official announced that the country will soon halt or slow humanitarian aid into parts of northern Gaza, as it expands its military offensive against Hamas. This decision comes as a blow to the people of Gaza, who are already struggling with a severe humanitarian crisis.

The flotilla represents a significant effort to alleviate this crisis and bring attention to the ongoing situation in Gaza. It is the largest attempt yet to break the Israeli blockade by sea, and its impact remains to be seen.