A Gaza-bound flotilla led by climate activist Greta Thunberg was forced to return to port in Barcelona after strong winds of up to 35 mph (56 kph) disrupted its attempt to set sail.
The Global Sumud Flotilla Mission, which organized the voyage, said the decision was made after a sea trial revealed that the conditions posed a serious risk to smaller boats in the convoy. The group emphasized that safety was the priority and confirmed that the mission would resume once the weather stabilized.
Billed as the largest effort to date challenging the blockade on Gaza, the flotilla comprised roughly 20 vessels carrying humanitarian aid and international delegations representing 44 countries.
This is not Thunberg’s first attempt to break the blockade. In June, she was deported by Israel after the IDF intercepted her ship, the Madleen, which had been carrying 11 others.
Organizers have yet to announce a new departure date but reaffirmed their commitment to delivering aid and drawing global attention to the situation in Gaza.
