Part of Barcelona Sunday, the “Global Sumud Flotilla”, the largest humanitarian naval expedition ever organized to Gaza, had to return to its port of departure because of strong winds. The convoy, made up of more than 20 boats and dozens of international activists, is expected to resume its journey as soon as the weather conditions are improved.
Launched Sunday August 31, 2025 from Barcelona, the Global Sumud Flatilla was aimed at reaching the Gaza Strip in order to break the Israeli blockade and to transport humanitarian aid. But the next day, the organizers announced that the ships had been forced to turn back due to strong winds in the Mediterranean.
“Due to dangerous weather conditions, we carried out a test at sea and then returned to the port to let the storm pass,” the flotilla said in a press release. The departure should be delayed by a few days, while the situation is calming.
An unprecedented mobilization
The Global Sumud Flotilla, whose name means “perseverance” in Arabic, must bring together more than 50 parties of Barcelona, Genoa, Sicily, Greece and soon Tunis.
Four initiatives have federated: the coalition of the Freedom flotilla, the World Movement for Gaza, the Soumoud convoy of the Maghreb and the Soumoud initiative in Nusantara in Southeast Asia.
On board, more than 300 volunteers from 44 countries, including doctors, artists, activists and international personalities, want to open a humanitarian corridor to Gaza. Among the best known figures:
Greta Thunberg, Swedish environmental activist, already engaged during the Madeleen mission; Actress Susan Sarandon; Swedish actor Gustaf Skarsgård; The Irishman Liam Cunningham (Game of Thrones); Nelson Mandela’s grandson, Zwelivelile Mandla Mandela; The former mayor of Barcelona Ada Colau; The former mayor of Geneva Rémy Pagani; EMMA TVERRE (LFI) MEP; Irish politician Paul Murphy. On the Tunisian side, Wael Naouar is among the leaders of the movement.
Context and previous
This initiative is distinguished from previous attempts, such as those of the Madleen and Handala boats, arranged by the Israeli army before reaching Gaza. The organizers hope that dispersing activists in several dozen ships will strengthen their chances of arriving at their destination.
For Israel, the arrival of this fleet remains unacceptable. The Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, has already announced that he would use anti-terrorist legislation to repress this initiative.
