Greta Thunberg, the Swedish climate activist, has joined a flotilla of boats carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza. The flotilla departed from Barcelona on Sunday, aiming to challenge Israel's naval blockade and deliver essential supplies to the region. Thousands of supporters gathered at the port, many waving Palestinian flags and chanting slogans such as "Free Palestine" and "It’s not a war, it’s a genocide."

Thunberg addressed the crowd, stating, "This is a mission to challenge the extremely violent, business-as-usual international system that is failing to uphold international law." This mission follows her previous attempt in June to breach the blockade, which resulted in Israeli forces seizing their vessel and deporting the activists.

Israel maintains that the blockade, in place since 2007, is necessary to prevent weapons smuggling to Hamas. The Israeli government has characterized previous attempts to break the blockade as propaganda efforts supporting Hamas. Organizers of the current flotilla criticized global leaders for not exerting pressure on Israel to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, especially after reports indicated that parts of the region are experiencing famine.

The flotilla consists of approximately 20 vessels, with plans for additional boats to join from Greece, Italy, and Tunisia. Yasemin Acar, a member of the steering committee, noted that around 250 metric tons of food have been collected in Genoa, Italy, for the mission. Some of this aid was loaded onto boats departing from Genoa, while the remainder will be sent to Catania, Sicily, for further transport to Gaza.

The flotilla is expected to reach Gaza in mid-September. Thunberg emphasized the humanitarian aspect of the mission, saying, "The story here is how people are being deliberately deprived of the very basic means to survive. The story here is how the world can be silent."

The mission has attracted various public figures, including Irish actor Liam Cunningham and former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau. Activists plan to hold simultaneous demonstrations in 44 countries to show solidarity with the Palestinian people.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has escalated, with the United Nations declaring a state of famine in the territory. Recent conflicts have resulted in significant casualties, with over 63,000 Palestinians reported dead, primarily civilians, according to health officials in Gaza. The current war began on October 7, 2023, following a major attack by Hamas militants in southern Israel, which resulted in the deaths of more than 1,200 people and the taking of hostages.