Overview

• The Global Sumud Flotilla left Barcelona on August 31 with roughly 20–22 boats and several hundred participants, then returned to port on September 1 due to strong winds exceeding 30 knots, according to organizers.
• Organizers say additional vessels from Tunisia, Sicily, Genoa and Greece are set to join the convoy to form about 50 boats with more than 500 participants, though the timetable is now on hold.
• Delegations from 44 countries are taking part, with high-profile figures including Greta Thunberg and former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau among the participants.
• The mission cites a UN-backed analysis declaring famine in Gaza, with more than 500,000 people facing catastrophic hunger, and says its cargo is symbolic while aiming to spur international action.
• Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has urged prolonged detention of participants and confiscation of vessels if intercepted, as organizers insist the voyage is lawful and warn that any boarding in international waters would be piracy.