A second flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza was scheduled to depart on Sunday from Barcelona, with about 30 boats filled with medical supplies. More vessels are anticipated to join along the way. The Israeli military previously stopped a similar mission in October, arresting Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and over 450 others.
Israel controls access to Gaza and denies that it is withholding supplies, but Palestinians and international aid groups claim that aid is still inadequate, despite a ceasefire in October that promised increased assistance. Liam Cunningham, an actor supporting the flotilla, highlighted that the need for aid reflects a failure of governments to fulfill their responsibilities. The World Health Organization emphasizes that states must ensure safe access to medical care during conflicts. Saif Abukeshak, a Palestinian activist, indicated the flotilla’s goal is to establish a humanitarian corridor for aid delivery. Past participants reported inhumane conditions during Israeli detention, a claim Israel’s foreign ministry denied.
With information from Reuters
