Overview
- The first boats left Barcelona on August 31, with additional vessels slated to depart September 4 from Tunisia, Sicily and Greece.
- Organizers describe a coalition from 44 countries and say the convoy comprises dozens of boats carrying food, water and medical supplies.
- Spain has pledged consular protection for its citizens on board, while Portugal says participants lack diplomatic immunity but will receive consular assistance.
- Israel previously intercepted similar efforts, including the Madleen in June and the Handala in July, and organizers expect the navy to try to stop the flotilla.
- The campaign aims to establish a humanitarian corridor to a territory where the UN says famine has been declared and about 500,000 people face catastrophic hunger.