This expedition, supported by the Open Arms organization, is transporting school, medical, and humanitarian supplies. Additionally, professionals such as doctors, eco-builders, and teachers are on board, intending to actively contribute to Gaza's reconstruction, under the leadership of the Palestinian population.
Among the approximately 300 crew members, there are about thirty Catalan activists. This marks the second time in six months that a humanitarian flotilla of this nature has departed from Barcelona bound for Gaza.
Over the weekend, Barcelona's Moll de la Fusta hosted various solidarity events for the expedition. These included round tables, an entities fair, play areas, circus performances, and music, featuring concerts by some twenty artists and a performance by the Castellers de Barcelona.
“"The geopolitics in the area is more complicated now, with a ceasefire that can be broken at any moment. Israel has not stopped violating the ceasefire, with 730 people killed in recent months."
Saif Abukeshek, coordinator and spokesperson for the Global Sumud Flotilla, has denounced that, despite a supposed ceasefire in Gaza, the situation has not significantly improved. He stated that Israel continues what he considers a "genocide" and "colonization" over Palestine, with an expansion of the Israeli army in the territory, and lamented the informational silence surrounding events in the area.
When governments fail, responsibility shifts to civil society.
Abukeshek, who also participated in the previous flotilla in October, emphasized the importance of international visibility, ground support campaigns, and political pressure for the mission's success. He acknowledged the increased risk due to the current conflict in the Middle East but insisted that "the risk of not acting is even worse".
