Gaza Flotilla Turns Back Due to Storms
Gaza-Bound Humanitarian Flotilla Returns to Barcelona Due to Storm
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– A flotilla aiming to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, and carrying environmental activist Greta Thunberg, was forced to turn back to Barcelona, Spain, on Monday due to fierce Mediterranean winds.
Flotilla’s Mission and Participants
Approximately 20 vessels departed Barcelona on Sunday as part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, intending to “open a humanitarian corridor and end the ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people” during the Israel-Gaza war, according to organizers. The term Sumud, Arabic for ”resilience,” reflects the flotilla’s purpose.
The flotilla included hundreds of pro-Palestinian activists, and notably, environmental campaigner Greta Thunberg, as reported by multiple news sources.
Weather Conditions Force Return
Organizers stated the decision to return to port was made to ensure safety. “Due to unsafe weather, we conducted a sea trial and then returned to port to allow the storm to pass,” a statement from the Global Sumud Flotilla explained. Wind gusts exceeded 55 kilometers per hour (34 miles per hour).
The return was intended to avoid complications for the smaller boats within the flotilla, prioritizing the well-being of all participants and the success of the mission.
Future Plans Under Review
Spanish media outlets reported that the organizers were scheduled to meet on Monday to determine whether to resume the expedition. No specific timeline for a potential restart has been announced.