The departure of the 20 ships of the Global Sumud Flotilla from Barcelona bound for Gaza, carrying humanitarian aid such as water, food, and medicine, was postponed due to bad weather.
The mission involves representatives from 44 countries, with the most recognizable figure among them being activist Greta Thunberg, alongside politicians such as former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau. The Greek delegation is coordinated by MarchtoGaza.
The initial fleet of 20 ships is expected to be reinforced at ports in Italy and Tunisia, reaching a total of 70 vessels, and is scheduled to arrive, if not intercepted, between September 14 and 15.
This year, three other attempts to break the blockade by sea have already been made and were intercepted.
It will be the largest effort to break Israel’s 18-year blockade of Gaza by sea and the fourth such attempt this year. The first was the Conscience in May, the second the Madleen in June, and the third the Handala in July. The first was hit by unidentified drones, while the other two were intercepted by the Israeli military.
Meanwhile, Israel is “seriously considering” the annexation of the West Bank in retaliation for Western countries’ recognition of the Palestinian state, according to Axios.
Whether it proceeds in that direction will depend on the stance of U.S. President Donald Trump, who twice dissuaded Israel from doing so during his first term. The West Bank is occupied Palestinian territory, and its annexation by Israel — indeed, any annexation by Israel — would be considered illegal.
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