Activists, led by Greta Thunberg, embark on a shipbound mission to Gaza, joining forces with numerous advocates in a second humanitarian flotilla voyage.

In a bid to bring hope and solidarity to the people of Gaza, a humanitarian aid flotilla, led by climate activist Greta Thunberg, has set sail from several Mediterranean ports. The flotilla, which includes ships from Spain, Italy, Tunisia, Greece, and Portugal, aims to unite over 50 boats and deliver symbolic aid to the coastal enclave.

The conflict in Gaza, which began on October 7, 2023, after Hamas fighters attacked southern Israel, has resulted in over 1,200 deaths. The ongoing war has been a source of concern for Thunberg and others, who have expressed dismay at the "silence of the world" regarding the situation.

Israel has imposed a blockade on Gaza since Hamas took control of the enclave in 2007. The blockade, which includes a naval blockade, is aimed at preventing weapons from being smuggled to Hamas. However, the flotilla's activists argue that the blockade is causing a humanitarian crisis, with reports of famine in part of the Gaza Strip according to a global hunger monitor. Israel, however, denies the existence of famine in Gaza.

Thunberg was previously detained by Israeli forces and deported when she tried to reach Gaza on board a British-flagged yacht in June. Despite this, she has not been deterred and has set sail once again, this time as part of the largest flotilla of boats carrying aid for the Strip.

The flotilla is expected to be joined by more aid ships from Greece, Italy, and Tunisia. The activists' goal is to send a clear signal that the world has not forgotten about the people of Gaza and to help open up a humanitarian corridor to deliver more aid to the region.

The current war in Gaza has resulted in over 63,000 Palestinian deaths, according to the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry. The naval blockade has remained in place throughout conflicts, including the current war in Gaza.

Thunberg has rejected accusations of antisemitism and was cheered on by thousands of supporters waving Palestinian flags before the departure of the flotilla. The activists hope their mission will bring symbolic aid and help open up a humanitarian corridor to deliver more aid to Gaza.

The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) are prepared to act according to the directives of the political echelon in response to various scenarios. The Israeli government has enforced the naval blockade, claiming it is necessary to stop weapons from being smuggled to Hamas. The flotilla's arrival in Gaza will no doubt add another layer of complexity to the ongoing conflict.

Activists, led by Greta Thunberg, embark on a shipbound mission to Gaza, joining forces with numerous advocates in a second humanitarian flotilla voyage.