Greta Thunberg and hundreds of anti-Israel activists are set to depart from Spain and other countries on Sunday. This flotilla is being described as the largest to date, aiming to challenge Israel's blockade of Gaza. Thunberg, a Swedish climate activist, has shifted her focus to anti-Israel activism following the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. She will be joined by Portuguese parliamentarian Mariana Mortágua and activists from 44 different countries, departing from locations including Barcelona, Sicily, Greece, and Tunisia.

The flotilla, named the Global Sumud, which means "steadfastness" in Arabic, is being promoted by the Barcelona Radical Book Fair. They describe it as "history’s largest international civil humanitarian movement to break the siege on Gaza, open a maritime humanitarian corridor, and denounce the genocide against the Palestinians."

In response, a meeting is scheduled at the official residence of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss strategies against the flotilla. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and security personnel will be present. Reports indicate that Ben-Gvir plans to propose stricter measures to deter future flotillas. This strategy was developed during a preparatory meeting on August 28 with senior police and prison officials.

The proposed measures include detaining activists under conditions similar to those for terrorists at Ktzi’ot and Damon facilities. These conditions would lack amenities such as television or radio, and would involve prolonged custody rather than just overnight stays. The rationale for these measures is based on the activists' violation of restricted military areas, with plans to document their connections to terrorist groups.

Additionally, Israel intends to seize the vessels used in the flotilla and repurpose them for police operations. A judicial assessment has indicated that such seizures are legally permissible. Sources close to Ben-Gvir have stated that previous lenient approaches to protest flotillas have not deterred activists. They noted that if the new strategy is approved, activists would regret their decision to participate.

In June, Thunberg was detained by the Israeli Navy while attempting to reach Gaza aboard a boat named Madleen. She and three others voluntarily agreed to be deported from Israel, and all were banned from entering the country for 100 years. Upon arriving at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, Thunberg claimed she had been "kidnapped" by Israel during a press conference.

The Israel Defense Forces have stated that they enforce a security naval blockade on Gaza and are prepared for various scenarios, acting according to directives from political leaders.