Largest Gaza aid flotilla sets sail

Several Gaza-bound boats carrying humanitarian aid set sail on Sunday, aiming to break Israel’s ongoing siege that has pushed the Palestinian enclave into a deadly, man-made famine.

The Global Sumud Flotilla, named after the Arabic word for “perseverance”, is the largest civilian aid convoy since Israel’s war on Gaza began in October 2023.

More than 300 pro-Palestinian activists from 44 countries have joined the mission, including Portuguese left-wing politician Mariana Mortagua and Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg.

Around 20 boats departed from several Spanish ports, loaded with food, medicine and essential supplies for Gaza’s population.

The International Committee for Breaking the Siege of Gaza, a UK-based campaign group, called for global support.

Read more: Largest Gaza aid flotilla sets sail as famine deepens