Storm forces Global Sumud Flotilla back to Barcelona, delaying Gaza journey
The convoy is the largest maritime mission yet to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza.
A flotilla bound for Gaza was forced back to Barcelona after a storm swept parts of Spain overnight, organisers confirmed.
The Global Sumud Flotilla—made up of around 20 boats with participants from 44 countries—chose to delay its departure to “prioritise safety,” citing winds exceeding 56 km/h (35 mph) that put smaller vessels at risk.
Billed as the largest attempt yet to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza by sea, the mission set sail on Sunday amid cheers from thousands of pro-Palestinian supporters gathered at Barcelona’s old port. Spain’s weather agency AEMET had warned of heavy rainfall and strong storms across Catalonia and beyond.
It remains unclear when the flotilla will resume its voyage. Additional boats are expected to join from Tunisia and Sicily in the coming days.
The initiative has drawn global attention and endorsements, including from Academy Award-winner Susan Sarandon and actor Liam Cunningham of Game of Thrones.
Israel is widely expected to try to prevent the convoy from reaching Gaza, as it has with past missions.
The voyage comes as Israel intensifies its assault on Gaza City, tightening restrictions on food and essential supplies. Aid experts warn the enclave faces famine, with half a million people at “catastrophic” levels of hunger. Nearly 340 Palestinians, including 124 children, have already died from malnutrition, according to local health officials. The ongoing war has killed more than 63,000 people in total.
