Liam Cunningham, Greta Thunberg, among 20 Boats Headed for Gaza Strip; What are They Trying to Do?

In one of the most ambitious civilian missions in recent years, a flotilla of around 20 boats carrying aid and activists has departed Barcelona in a bid to challenge Israel's naval blockade of Gaza. The Global Sumud Flotilla, setting sail on 31 August 2025, represents the largest collective effort yet to deliver humanitarian relief directly by sea.

More than 300 passengers are on board, including campaigners, medical professionals, journalists and artists. Supported by delegations from 44 countries, the convoy is transporting food, water and medicine, with hopes of reaching Gaza by mid-September. Its organisers aim to create a civilian humanitarian sea corridor to bypass the long-standing blockade.

Prominent Faces on Board

Among those on the flotilla are climate activist Greta Thunberg and actor Liam Cunningham. Thunberg condemned global inaction while departing, stating the mission highlights how Palestinians are being denied essentials for survival. Cunningham shared a moving video of a young Palestinian girl named Fatima, who is said to have recorded a song for her own funeral before her death, asking what kind of world allows this.

Former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau and other public figures also joined the send‑off, which drew thousands of supporters waving Palestinian flags and chanting slogans in solidarity. Organisers emphasised that the mission is secular and humanitarian, not government‑backed, and grounded in civil society networks.

A History of Attempts and Escalating Crisis

This is the fourth flotilla attempt in 2025. Earlier missions using vessels called Madleen (in June) and Handala (in July) were intercepted, with activists detained and deported before reaching Gaza. Israel maintains that the blockade is essential to national security, though humanitarian organisations and UN experts warn of mass starvation and violations of international law.

The situation in Gaza remains dire: the Health Ministry reports over 63,000 deaths since October 2023, and UN assessments suggest catastrophic hunger has gripped half a million residents. Israeli forces have continued military operations in northern Gaza, prompting warnings that humanitarian aid deliveries may be further restricted.

What the Flotilla Aims to Achieve

The Global Sumud Flotilla seeks to open a humanitarian route by sea and draw international attention to the legacy of suffering under the blockade. The term Sumud, meaning resilience in Arabic, reflects a commitment to peaceful resistance through civil activism.

Supporters have rallied in Barcelona, with volunteers cooking for the flotilla crews and local businesses donating supplies. The organisers emphasise that the convoy adheres to maritime law and any interception could amount to piracy.

Looking Ahead

The flotilla is expected to arrive near Gaza around mid‑September, though its final entry remains uncertain. Previous attempts were met with force, and Israeli officials have cautioned that they may detain participants under stringent conditions.

Public Response

Much public response to the flotilla launch was positive on TikTok, where many supported their aspirations for Gaza. Videos covering the beginning of their journey were flooded with comments of prayers and well-wishes, such as 'We pray for your safety and success, shame on the leaders of the world watching as brave civilians try to feed the starving children of Gaza and all Palestinian people'.