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A SECOND flotilla carrying humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza was due to depart on 12 April from the Spanish port of Barcelona in an attempt to challenge Israel’s maritime blockade of the territory.
About 30 boats were expected to set sail from the Mediterranean port, loaded with medical supplies and other humanitarian aid under the Global Sumud Flotilla initiative, with additional vessels anticipated to join the convoy along its route towards Palestine.
Reuters cited today that the mission follows a previous attempt in October 2025, when the Israeli military intercepted around 40 vessels organised by the same group as they tried to reach Gaza. More than 450 participants were detained during the operation, including Swedish activist Greta Thunberg.
Israel, which controls access to the Gaza Strip, denies accusations that it is restricting humanitarian supplies to the territory, where more than two million people live.
However, Palestinians and international aid organisations have repeatedly warned that aid entering Gaza remains insufficient, even after an October ceasefire that included commitments to increase humanitarian deliveries.
Actor Liam Cunningham, known for his role in the television series Game of Thrones and a supporter of the flotilla, said the mission highlights failures by governments to meet their obligations.
“Every kilogramme of aid that is on these ships is a failure because all these people on these ships giving up their time to help their fellow human beings are doing what their governments are legally obliged to do,” he told Reuters.
The World Health Organization has stated that even in times of armed conflict, international humanitarian law requires states to ensure safe access to medical care for affected populations.
“This is a mission that aims to open a humanitarian corridor so the aid delivery organisations can arrive,” said Saif Abukeshak, a Palestinian activist and member of the flotilla’s organising committee.
Activists involved in previous flotillas have alleged mistreatment during detention by Israeli forces, claims which have been rejected by an Israeli foreign ministry spokesperson. - April 12, 2026
