A flotilla carrying actress Susan Sarandon, activist Greta Thunberg and others departed from Barcelona for the Gaza Strip on Sunday with humanitarian help on board.
The World Sumud Flotilla will attempt to break the Israeli blockade of the Palestinian territory and convey humanitarian help, meals, water and medication to Gaza as Israel steps up its offensive in Gaza Metropolis.
“The story right here is about Palestine,” Thunberg stated at a press convention in Barcelona. “The story right here is how individuals are being intentionally disadvantaged of the very primary means to outlive.”
Meals consultants warned earlier this month that Gaza Metropolis was in famine and that half 1,000,000 individuals throughout the strip had been going through catastrophic ranges of starvation. The practically 23-month conflict has killed greater than 63,000 individuals, with not less than 332 Palestinians dying of malnutrition, together with 124 kids, in accordance with the Hamas-run Gaza Well being Ministry.
Mario Wurzburger / Getty Photos
The maritime convoy, comprising roughly 20 boats and delegations from 44 nations, shall be joined by extra ships from ports in Italy, Greece, and Tunisia within the coming days because it navigates its route from the western Mediterranean to the Gaza Strip, organizers stated.
Thunberg, Sarandon and “Recreation of Thrones” actor Liam Cunningham are among the most recognizable figures on the expedition, in addition to activists, politicians like former mayor of Barcelona, Ada Colau, and journalists.
“It has been very clear that Israel has been repeatedly violating worldwide legislation by both attacking, unlawfully intercepting the boats in worldwide waters, and repeatedly stopping the humanitarian help from coming in”, stated Thunberg in an interview with The Related Press on Saturday.
It’s not the primary time Thunberg and Cunninham will try to succeed in Gaza waters this yr. She was deported in June when the ship she was touring on with 11 different individuals, the Madleen, was stopped by the Israeli army.
Mario Wurzburger / Getty Photos 
Cunningham, who will be a part of the flotilla, performed a video displaying a woman singing whereas planning her personal funeral. The lady, Fatima, died 4 days in the past, he stated.
“What kind of world have we slid into the place kids are making their very own funeral preparations?” Cunningham informed reporters.
In late July, the Israeli army stopped one other help ship, detained 21 worldwide activists and reporters, and seized its cargo, together with child formulation, meals and medication, in accordance with Freedom Flotilla Coalition.
An Israeli official stated Saturday that the nation will quickly halt or gradual humanitarian help into elements of northern Gaza, because it expands its army offensive in opposition to Hamas, a day after the town was declared a fight zone.
The conflict started on Oct. 7, 2023, when an assault by Hamas terrorists inside Israel claimed the lives of 1,200 individuals, most of them civilians, and took 251 individuals hostage.
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