Greta Thunberg’s Gaza Mission Halted by Storm: Back to Barcelona
Climate activist Greta Thunberg's humanitarian mission to Gaza faces setback as severe weather forces multi-vessel flotilla to return to Barcelona port.
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The flotilla carrying climate activist Greta Thunberg and dozens of international activists aiming to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza was forced to return to port in Barcelona on Sunday due to severe weather conditions.
The convoy, organized under the Global Sumud Flotilla Mission, included roughly 20 vessels representing delegations from 44 countries. It was billed as the largest attempt yet to challenge the Israeli blockade of Gaza by sea.
“During a sea trial, we encountered high winds reaching up to 35 mph (56 kph). For safety reasons, we returned to port to allow the storm to pass before resuming our journey,” the organizers said in a statement. They did not specify when the flotilla would attempt departure again.
This is Thunberg’s second attempt this year to reach Gaza by sea. In June, she was deported after the Israel Defense Forces intercepted the vessel Madleen, along with 11 passengers.
The mission highlights ongoing international activism surrounding Gaza, amid calls for humanitarian aid and greater attention to the humanitarian situation in the Strip. Organizers emphasized that safety concerns, particularly for the smaller boats in the convoy, necessitated the temporary halt.