Global Sumud Flotilla ships docked in Barcelona ahead of second voyage to Gaza

A view of a Palestinian flag as the Global Sumud Flotilla, departs once again after one year, to deliver humanitarian aid, and raise global awareness about Gaza, in Barcelona, Spain, on April 11, 2026. [Burak Akbulut – Anadolu Agency]

Global Sumud Flotilla ships were at the docks in Barcelona on Saturday, before setting off for Gaza on Sunday, Anadolu reports.

Formed to break the blockade on Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid, the flotilla will sail this time with expanded participation, with its largest participation coming from Spain.

Around 70 boats carrying up to 1,000 volunteers from 70 countries are expected to depart on April 12, nearly doubling the size of the previous mission in September 2025.

Flotilla spokesperson Pablo Castilla said the initiative aims to condemn international complicity in Israel’s actions in Gaza, demand accountability, and establish a humanitarian corridor by sea and land.

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He said international attention on Gaza has declined due to recent regional developments, adding that Israel has intensified its blockade, restricted aid entry, expanded settlements, and accelerated land seizure. He emphasized that the mission complies with international law. Greenpeace will also participate the mission along with other NGOs.

Last September, the flotilla set sail from Spain, and eventually included 43 boats and 462 people. Before it could reach Gaza, Israeli forces boarded the vessels and took the participants into custody, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg.

Organizers say this year’s flotilla will be the largest mission yet, including more than 1,000 participants and 100 vessels in parallel with land mobilizations.

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