Greta Thunberg's latest flotilla gets going with new twist
Brazilian activist Thiago Ávila described the effort as "the largest solidarity mission in history, with more people and more boats than all previous attempts combined," according to The Guardian. Dozens of vessels expected to join on September 4.
Erez Linn
Israel Hayom
Aug 31, 2025
Swedish activist Greta Thunberg (L), Brazilian spokesperson for the 'Global Sumud Flotilla,' Thiago Avila (C) and Irish actor Liam Cunningham (R) hold a press conference in Barcelona, Spain before departing to Gaza on August 31, 2025
On Sunday, an international coalition of activists, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, was to set sail from Barcelona to deliver vital humanitarian aid to Gaza and challenge Israel's actions in Gaza. The Global Sumud Flotilla ("Global Resistance Flotilla"), as reported by The Guardian, aims to create a humanitarian corridor, despite Israel already providing humanitarian relief and offering to send any additional aid through its ports after proper inspection. Additional ships joining from Tunisian and other Mediterranean ports on September 4. Thunberg's previous flotilla in June, aboard the Madleen, was intercepted by Israel, and she was brought to Israel along with other activists and subsequently deported.
Brazilian activist Thiago Ávila described the effort as "the largest solidarity mission in history, with more people and more boats than all previous attempts combined," according to The Guardian. The flotilla is expected to reach Gaza by mid-September, accompanied by global protests in 44 countries, as Thunberg stated on Instagram: "In solidarity with the Palestinian people."
An Israeli solider passes a pastrami sandwich to Greta Thunberg onboard the Gaza-bound British-flagged yacht "Madleen" after Israeli forces boarded the vessel in June 2025
The mission includes notable figures like former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau and Portuguese lawmaker Mariana Mortágua, who affirmed, "We understand that this is a legal mission under international law," as cited by The Guardian. While the exact number of vessels and departure times are not disclosed for security, the flotilla represents a significant escalation in civilian efforts to support Gaza.
Israel has previously intercepted similar missions. The Madleen was detained 185 kilometers (114 miles) west of Gaza and later expelled. In July, 21 activists from 10 countries on the Handala faced similar interference.
ADDENDUM: Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel's national security minister, is planning to present Israeli Prime Minister Benjmin Netanyahu with a plan to detain the activists in harsh 'terrorist-level' conditions in the Ktzi'ot and Damon detention centres for females.
Individuals close to Ben-Gvir said: 'Following several weeks at Ktzi'ot and Damon, they'll be sorry about the time they arrived here. We must eliminate their appetite for another attempt.'
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