Global Sumud Flotilla sails again from Barcelona with 70 vessels bound for Gaza

The Global Sumud Flotilla, described by organisers as the largest civilian-led maritime mission to date, departed from Barcelona on Sunday, April 12, for the second time in less than a year, aiming to challenge Israel’s blockade on Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid to the besieged territory.

The convoy comprises around 70 vessels and forms part of a wider mobilisation involving nearly 5,000 activists from more than 70 countries, alongside a medical convoy of close to 1,000 healthcare and humanitarian workers. Organisers say the mission seeks to address worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza, where shortages of food, medical supplies and basic services have intensified amid ongoing restrictions.

Among the vessels are the Greenpeace ship Arctic Sunrise, which is providing technical and navigational support, and the humanitarian rescue vessel operated by Open Arms, tasked with strengthening emergency response and civilian protection measures during the voyage.

According to posts shared by organisers and activists, over 2,000 people assembled at Barcelona port to bid farewell to the Global Sumud Flotilla as it set sail. Images circulating online showed backpacks packed with school supplies, toys and handwritten letters by children in Barcelona, intended for children in Gaza and included in the flotilla’s aid cargo.

Speaking at a press conference in Barcelona, Pablo Castilla, one of the flotilla’s spokesperson, said that the main objective of the initiative is “to condemn international complicity in the genocidal crimes committed by Israel in Gaza, to demand accountability for those responsible, and to open a humanitarian corridor by sea and land.”

He also noted concerns that global focus on Gaza has diminished amid escalating regional tensions.

In a statement, the Global Sumud Flotilla Steering Committee said the departure marked a shift “from grief to action”, adding that the mission forms part of broader international efforts to address the crisis.

Activists on board also shared personal motivations for joining the voyage. Palestinian activist Suzanne Abdullah said her participation reflects a history of displacement and conflict affecting Palestinians, while others described the mission as an attempt to draw attention to the impact of the crisis on access to education, healthcare and basic needs.

Organisers have called on the international community to ensure the safe passage of the vessels and to avoid any actions that could obstruct the mission.

The latest voyage follows an earlier attempt in September 2025, when a smaller flotilla departing from Barcelona was intercepted before reaching Gaza, with participants detained and later deported.

The current mission sets sail amid deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Gaza, where aid access remains severely restricted and large sections of the population continue to face displacement and shortages of essential supplies.