In brief
A flotilla of 20 boats, including notable climate activist Greta Thunberg, has departed from Barcelona with the intent of breaking Israel's siege on Gaza. The mission, supported by 350 activists and loaded with humanitarian supplies, aims to establish a humanitarian corridor to the besieged region amid ongoing tensions. The flotilla previously postponed its departure due to inclement weather but is now en route to Gaza, scheduled to arrive in about a week.
A flotilla of boats headed for Gaza carrying 350 pro-Palestinian activists - including climate change campaigner Greta Thunberg - has departed from Barcelona.
Around 20 vessels displaying Palestinian flags left the Spanish port at 19:00 local time on Monday, stocked with medical and food supplies.
The flotilla first attempted to set sail on Sunday but had to return to port due to stormy weather.
The aim of the mission is to break Israel's illegal siege on Gaza, the organizers said - though a previous attempt to reach Gaza by sea was intercepted by Israeli forces.
The Global Sumud Flotilla Mission plans to launch in two waves - the first from Barcelona and the second from Tunis on September 4. Activists hope the boats will converge in the Mediterranean before sailing towards Gaza, a trip that is estimated to take seven or eight days.
We are sailing again to break the siege and open up a humanitarian corridor, Thunberg said in a video message.
Punk singer Bob Vylan, who provoked controversy for leading a chant of death to the IDF [Israel Defence Forces] at Glastonbury, spoke at the flotilla's departure. He called the activists brave individuals attempting to do what should have been done by government intervention a long time ago.
Israeli authorities have characterized a previous attempt to sail aid to Gaza as a publicity stunt that offered no real humanitarian assistance.
In March, Israel introduced a nearly three-month total blockade on goods entering Gaza, allowing a limited amount of goods back in late May following international pressure. A UN-backed body has since declared that there is a famine in parts of Gaza.
Israel has tried to impose its own distribution system through the controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which has been criticized by aid agencies.
In June, a yacht carrying Thunberg and several other activists was intercepted by Israeli forces and escorted to the port of Ashdod before deportation.
In 2010, Israeli commandos killed 10 people when they boarded the Turkish ship Mavi Marmara, leading an aid flotilla towards Gaza.
