Nearly 40 boats departed from Barcelona, with the rest set to join from other Mediterranean ports. Bad weather forced organizers to delay the departure, which was originally planned for April 12. Activists hope the mission will draw focus back to Gaza, where last week marked six months since a ceasefire stopped the most intense fighting between Israeli forces and Hamas-led militants.
Gaza's Health Ministry says Israeli attacks have killed more than 700 people in that period, and around 2 million residents are still living in ruins with shortages of food and medicine, with only limited aid entering through a single, Israeli-controlled border post. Israel and Egypt have imposed varying degrees of a blockade on Gaza since Hamas seized power in 2007. Israel says the blockade is needed to prevent Hamas from importing arms, but critics argue it amounts to collective punishment of Gaza's Palestinian population.
The Global Sumud Flotilla's latest efforts come less than a year after another attempt was foiled by Israeli authorities. Last fall, dozens of boats sailed close to Gaza, with one crossing the 12-nautical-mile line marking the divide from international waters to territorial waters off Gaza. All boats were ultimately intercepted and seized or turned away by Israeli authorities.
Those sailing last year, including Greta Thunberg, were arrested, imprisoned, and deported by Israel. Participants last year claimed Israeli authorities abused them while in detention, but Israeli authorities denied those accusations. The interception at sea was broadcast live by onboard cameras, sparking worldwide protests.
Attention on Gaza has since waned, with eyes focused now on the latest Iran war.