A flotilla carrying humanitarian aid and activists, including environmentalist Greta Thunberg, has returned to Barcelona due to severe Mediterranean winds. Organizers announced the decision on Monday after around 20 vessels departed from the Spanish city on Sunday. The mission aimed to establish a humanitarian corridor and address the ongoing crisis in Gaza amid the Israel-Hamas conflict.

The Global Sumud Flotilla, named after the Arabic word for "resilience," stated that the boats faced unsafe weather conditions. "Due to unsafe weather conditions, we conducted a sea trial and then returned to port to allow the storm to pass," the organization said in a statement. They noted that wind gusts exceeded 55 kilometers (34 miles) per hour, prompting the decision to prioritize the safety of all participants.

The flotilla was expected to reach Gaza by mid-September. This mission follows two previous attempts by activists to deliver aid to the region, both of which were blocked by Israel in June and July. The ongoing conflict escalated after a significant attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, primarily civilians, according to official reports.

In addition to Thunberg, the flotilla included actors Liam Cunningham and Eduard Fernandez, as well as European lawmakers and public figures like former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau. Organizers indicated they would meet later on Monday to discuss the possibility of resuming the expedition.

The conflict has led to significant casualties on both sides. Reports indicate that at least 63,459 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have died in the ongoing war, according to figures from Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry. Israel has denied allegations of genocide, asserting its military actions are aimed at defeating Hamas.