Brave Fleet, Bite the Bullet to Break the Gaza Siege

The largest naval fleet, with dozens of ships and hundreds of activists from around the world, is heading to Gaza; an exceptional effort that has become a symbol of a serious shift in world public opinion and is putting new pressure on Israel.

News ID: 86614

Date: 31 August 2025 - 09:22

TEHRAN (Defapress) - A flotilla carrying humanitarian aid, with the participation of international activists including Greta Thunberg, set sail from the port of Barcelona, Spain, on Sunday towards Gaza to break the illegal blockade.

Civil activists have stated that the goal of this action is to open a humanitarian corridor and end the genocide of the Palestinian people. However, due to security reasons, precise details regarding the exact number of vessels and the timing of departure are not yet available. It is anticipated, though, that this flotilla will reach the coastal strip of Gaza by mid-September.

Tiago Abreu, a Brazilian activist, told reporters last week in Barcelona: "This will be the largest solidarity mission in history, with more people and ships than all previous efforts combined."

Dozens of other vessels are also scheduled to depart from ports in Tunisia and other Mediterranean ports in early September. Concurrently with the departure of the humanitarian flotilla, coordinated protests and demonstrations will be held in 44 countries around the world.

Greta Thunberg, a member of the flotilla's steering committee, described the action on her Instagram page as "solidarity with the Palestinian people."

In addition to the famous Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, prominent activists from several countries, including members of European parliaments and well-known figures such as Ada Colau, the former mayor of Barcelona, will be present on this journey. Mariana Mortágua, a left-wing member of the Portuguese parliament, will also join the mission. Last week in Lisbon, she stated: "This mission is completely legal from the perspective of international law."

Israel had previously intercepted activist flotillas at sea on 2 occasions in July and August. The first time, 12 activists aboard the sailing boat "Madelin", including Greta Thunberg, were detained and subsequently deported by Israeli forces 185 kilometers west of Gaza. Most recently, 21 activists from 10 countries aboard the ship "Handala" were detained by Israel.