Returning Aid Vessel from Gaza Reaches Barcelona

The Global Sumud Flotilla, a convoy of approximately 20 boats carrying around 300 pro-Palestinian activists, set sail from Barcelona, Spain's northeastern city, on Sunday afternoon. Among the passengers is the renowned Swedish climate activist, Greta Thunberg, who joins the flotilla with a mission to break Israel's naval blockade of the Gaza Strip.

The flotilla's organizational leader, Nader Atassi, has been spearheading this ambitious operation. The flotilla, reportedly the largest such action to date, aims to draw global attention to the ongoing hardships faced by the people of Gaza and to challenge the naval blockade that has been in place for over a decade.

However, the journey has not been without challenges. The flotilla has had to halt its progress due to bad weather, with the organizers announcing a return to Barcelona via a statement on Instagram. The flotilla is expected to resume its journey as early as Monday evening, weather permitting.

This is not the first time such a flotilla has attempted to challenge the naval blockade. In July, an Italian ship's attempt failed, with Israel consistently thwarting such attempts in the past.

One of the most high-profile incidents occurred in June 2025, when Greta Thunberg previously attempted to reach Gaza on the "Madleen." However, Israeli soldiers boarded the ship around 200 kilometers off the Gaza coast, resulting in the deportation of Thunberg and other activists. The "Madleen" was subsequently brought to the Israeli port of Ashdod.

Despite these setbacks, the spirit of steadfastness, or "Sumud" in Arabic, remains unbroken. This steadfastness is not just a symbol of resilience but a testament to the determination of those seeking a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis in Gaza.

Greta Thunberg's current journey on the Global Sumud Flotilla is a poignant demonstration of this spirit. As she sails towards Gaza, she carries with her the hopes and dreams of millions who yearn for peace, justice, and freedom. The Global Sumud Flotilla continues to navigate the high seas, undeterred by the challenges ahead, in a quest for a brighter future for the people of Gaza.