A second aid flotilla bound for Palestine’s Gaza has set sail from Barcelona, Spain, comprising roughly 70 vessels and close to 1,000 participants representing 70 countries as of April 12. Poor weather has slowed its passage into international waters, but organisers insist the mission is only briefly stalled and will soon push forward towards Gaza. The Global Sumud Flotilla departed the Mediterranean port loaded with medical supplies and essential aid, with additional boats expected to join the convoy as it moves along its route. This is not the group’s first attempt. In October 2025, Israeli forces intercepted more than 40 vessels organised by the same coalition as they tried to reach the besieged enclave, detaining Swedish activist Greta Thunberg along with more than 450 others. Activists in the flotilla later described harsh and degrading treatment in custody, allegations the Israeli foreign ministry firmly denied. Hailed as a mission to open a humanitarian corridor, the flotilla heads towards a territory where access remains tightly controlled by Israel. While Israeli authorities reject claims that aid is being restricted for Gaza’s more than two million residents, Palestinians and international organisations argue that supplies remain critically inadequate, even after a ceasefire agreement in October 2025 that was meant to allow more assistance in