A new humanitarian flotilla, comprising dozens of vessels and over 1,000 participants, departed from Barcelona today, Sunday 12 April, bound for Gaza. The mission aims to challenge the illegal blockade and highlight the escalating humanitarian crisis in Palestine. This departure occurs amid rising tensions in the Levant region.

Ariadna Masmitjà, a member of the expedition and the Alternative Trade Union of Catalonia (IAC), acknowledged the increased risks compared to a previous flotilla. That earlier convoy sailed from Barcelona in October. Organisers describe the current initiative as “the largest civil mission in history” of its kind.

The project combines maritime action with coordinated social mobilisation across several countries. Approximately 40 ships from Barcelona joined the initiative. The non-violent flotilla asserts it acts in response to the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza. It demands both humanitarian access and international accountability, according to Greenpeace spokesperson. Promoters also state the initiative serves as a political and symbolic response to the situation in the territory.

International Support for Gaza Mission

This year, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) Open Arms and Greenpeace have joined the flotilla. Open Arms participates with its vessel, the Open Arms, while Greenpeace deploys its ship, the MY Arctic Sunrise. Gerard Canals, Open Arms’ Head of Operations, told VilaWeb that the NGO joined to provide support. They address issues encountered last year, which forced previous convoys to make unscheduled stops and vessel repairs.

Canals explained that Open Arms intends to complete the entire journey with the flotilla. They will reach a final, yet undefined, point. From there, other vessels will proceed to the Gaza Strip. The organisation aims to prevent any interaction with Israeli ships. Canals stated, “We must help them arrive.”

Critical Support and Medical Aid

The Open Arms will perform various tasks during the crossing. These include medical assistance, with a doctor and nurse on board. They have also prepared first-aid kits for all participating vessels. Maintenance constitutes another essential role. The NGO provides three naval machinery specialists to offer mechanical support as needed. Canals highlighted the importance of towing capabilities. He noted, “Previously, if they needed towing, they lost speed. The Open Arms is a high-seas tugboat.” He reminded readers that Open Arms’ most visible work involves maritime rescue. However, the organisation has also delivered humanitarian aid to Gaza, Syria, and Ukraine.

Greenpeace stressed the need to continue “raising our voice” for Palestine. Valentina Carvajal, a spokesperson for Greenpeace, told the EFE agency, “We understand the risky scenario we face. We believe this is a moment when we must continue to raise our voice and cannot look away.” The MY Arctic Sunrise will also join the flotilla. It aims to provide maritime, technical, logistical, and operational support throughout the journey.

Greenpeace emphasised this marks their first participation in such an initiative. They argue their contribution can enhance vessel safety and strengthen open-sea coordination. Carvajal added, “We must continue to speak about Palestine. We know what we can contribute to the flotilla and how to do it.”

Barcelona Hosts Awareness Events

Barcelona hosted a two-day programme of public awareness and mobilisation activities. These events combined culture, social participation, and international outreach. The project featured artistic and musical performances, family areas, and children’s workshops. It also included a fair for various organisations. Flotilla members and civil society representatives delivered interventions. A communication setup provided media attention and live broadcasts. The central event culminated today, Sunday 12 April, with a public farewell for the vessels from the Wooden Dock (Moll de la Fusta).

Previous Flotilla Intercepted by Israeli Forces

The most recent Gaza flotilla departed from Barcelona last August. Israeli forces intercepted it between 1 and 2 October in international waters. Soldiers, armed with rifles and wearing balaclavas, boarded the ships. Hundreds of people were detained.

Among those detained were Ada Colau, Jordi Coronas, Pilar Castillejo, and Juan Bordera. Authorities transported them to Ashdod port. There, the detention was marked by physical and psychological aggression, according to their denunciations.

Lawyers representing the activists claimed many did not receive vital medical treatment. They also reported interrogations without legal guarantees. Flotilla organisers described the detentions as illegal. They accused the Israeli army of perpetrating kidnappings. Jordi Coronas stated, “I had the sensation of being surrounded by psychopaths.” Pilar Castillejo added, “We refused to return on a Spanish military plane.”

Ongoing Advocacy for Gaza

The departure of this new flotilla from Barcelona underscores the continued international concern for Gaza. Participants aim to maintain pressure for humanitarian access and accountability. The mission highlights the ongoing challenges faced by those attempting to deliver aid to the besieged territory. This initiative seeks to draw global attention to the humanitarian crisis and advocate for a peaceful resolution.

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Originally published by VilaWeb Feed. Read original article.