Climate Activist Leads Humanitarian Effort from Barcelona
Greta Samberg, a climate activist, set off from Barcelona on Sunday with around 20 boats as part of a mission to challenge the naval blockade involving Israel and Palestinian territories. The Global SUMUD FLOTILLA is carrying essential supplies like food, water, and medicine to residents in Gaza, who are facing serious hunger issues, as noted by food experts earlier this month.
The flotilla consists of delegations from 44 countries, with plans for more boats to join from ports in Italy, Greece, and Tunisia. Samberg emphasized the humanitarian aspect at a press conference, stating, “The story here is about Palestine,” highlighting the dire situation where people are systematically denied basic necessities.
The health ministry in Gaza has reported over 63,000 deaths due to the ongoing conflict, which has lasted almost two years. Alarmingly, malnutrition has claimed the lives of 332 individuals, including 124 children. Experts estimate that 500,000 residents are now facing severe hunger.
According to reports, a fleet carrying humanitarian aid is determined to “try to break the illegal siege of Gaza,” as stated by the organizers. Actor Liam Cunningham, who is also part of the flotilla, shared a poignant moment with reporters, showing a video of a Palestinian girl named Fatima making funeral arrangements. He questioned, “What world did you slip into the place where the kids arrange their funerals?”
Previously, the military had intercepted a ship named Tanburg in June, which resulted in the detention of 21 international activists the following month and the seizure of cargo that included dairy products and medicines.
On Saturday, Israeli officials announced plans to either suspend or delay humanitarian aid to Gaza as military actions against Hamas escalate. The conflict ignited on October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacks led to approximately 1,200 deaths and the abduction of 251 hostages within Israel.
