Global Sumud Flotilla finalises preparations in Barcelona ahead of largest civilian-led Gaza mission

The crew of the Global Sumud Flotilla are finalising preparations in Barcelona ahead of its August 31 departure, in what organisers call the largest civilian-led maritime mission to Gaza since the blockade was imposed 15 years ago. With more than 50 ships and participants from 44 countries, including Greta Thunberg and former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau, the flotilla aims to deliver humanitarian aid and demand a permanent corridor to the besieged enclave. Saif Aboukeshek, the leader of the flotilla, described the effort as a “historical moment of growth for the solidarity movement,” uniting activists from the Global South and North “shoulder by shoulder” to confront genocide and repression in Palestine. He emphasised that the mission represents global solidarity across five continents and that even if the flotilla is blocked, the movement will continue “non-stop to end occupation, genocide and blockade.” Organisers say land protests around the world will mirror the sea mission to pressure governments to act, insisting the operation reclaims the sea as a free passage to Gaza while challenging Israel’s practice of intercepting vessels in international waters. Catch previous episodes of MEE LIVE, our biweekly news programme exploring the stories shaping our world through breaking coverage, expert analysis, and hard-hitting interviews. Originally airing Tuesdays & Thursdays at 12pm ET | 5pm BST Got a story tip or question? Reach us at [email protected] Support stories that matter. Join this channel to get access to perks:    / @middleeasteye   Subscribe to our channel: http://ow.ly/AVlW30n1OWH Subscribe to MEE Telegram channel to stay up to date: https://t.me/MiddleEastEye_TG Middle East Eye Website: https://middleeasteye.net Follow us on TikTok:   / middleeasteye   Follow us on Instagram:   / middleeasteye   Like us on Facebook:   / middleeasteye   Follow us on Twitter:   / middleeasteye