Climate Activist Greta Thunberg Departs on Gaza Aid Flotilla

Barcelona, August 31, 2025 - Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg joined a coalition of activists today as they set sail from Barcelona on a flotilla carrying humanitarian aid bound for the Gaza Strip. The mission aims to challenge Israel’s maritime blockade and deliver essential supplies to the war‐torn territory.

Thousands of supporters gathered at Barcelona’s port, waving Palestinian flags and chanting slogans such as “Free Palestine” and “Genocide in Gaza.” Thunberg, wearing a “we are all Palestine Action” T-shirt, addressed the crowd before departure: “This endeavor aims to confront the deeply violent, business-as-usual international framework that fails to uphold international law”.

Organizers of the Global Sumud Flotilla-named after the Arabic word for “steadfastness”-said the expedition represents the largest solidarity mission to Gaza in history, with dozens of vessels set to join from ports in Greece, Italy and Tunisia in early September. Brazilian activist Thiago Ávila described the effort as “the largest solidarity mission in history, with more people and more boats than all previous attempts combined”.

A recent global hunger monitor reported that parts of Gaza are suffering from famine conditions, with half a million people at risk of catastrophic hunger. Flotilla participants hope to open a humanitarian corridor to deliver food, water and medicine to civilians trapped by the blockade. Israel maintains that its naval restrictions, in place since 2007, are necessary to prevent weapons from reaching Hamas, but critics call the blockade a violation of international law.

Thunberg previously attempted a similar voyage in June; her small aid vessel was intercepted by Israeli forces and she was subsequently deported. Today’s departure underscores her commitment to linking climate activism with broader human rights issues. The flotilla is expected to reach Gaza by mid-September, accompanied by synchronized protests in 44 countries worldwide.