Barcelona, Spain — A flotilla set to carry humanitarian aid and activists, including prominent climate advocate Greta Thunberg, is poised to depart from Barcelona on Sunday. Organizers of the Global Sumud Flotilla announced that the mission aims to challenge what they describe as the illegal blockade of Gaza.

The initiative intends to establish a humanitarian corridor and bring attention to the dire situation faced by Palestinian people, according to the group. While details regarding the number of vessels participating and the specific time of departure remain undisclosed, the flotilla is anticipated to reach Gaza in mid-September.

“This will be the largest solidarity mission in history,” Brazilian activist Thiago Ávila emphasized at a press conference in Barcelona last week, asserting that this effort will bring together more people and more boats than all previous missions combined. The organizers expect additional vessels to set sail from Tunisian and other Mediterranean ports on September 4.

In addition to maritime efforts, demonstrations and protests supporting Palestinians are planned in 44 countries, with Thunberg, who serves on the flotilla’s steering committee, promoting the global solidarity campaign through social media. The presence of diverse participants, including European lawmakers and public figures such as former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau, underscores the international backing for the mission.

Mariana Mortágua, a leftist Portuguese lawmaker participating in the flotilla, affirmed the mission’s legality under international law during a recent statement in Lisbon. The intended voyage follows previous attempts that were thwarted by Israeli forces in June and July. Israel had intercepted activist vessels on both occasions, reflecting ongoing tensions surrounding maritime aid deliveries to Gaza.

In June, a sailboat named Madleen, carrying 12 activists including Thunberg, was intercepted by Israeli naval forces approximately 115 miles from the Gaza coast. The passengers were subsequently detained and deported. In July, another vessel named Handala, carrying 21 activists from various nations, was also blocked while trying to reach Gaza.

As the flotilla prepares to depart, the situation in Gaza remains critical, drawing increased attention from international activists advocating for humanitarian relief amid escalating conflict.