An international mission aimed at bringing humanitarian aid to the Gaza range had to return a few hours after leaving due to adverse weather conditions. The flotilla, as it is also known, departed from Barcelona, Spain, on Sunday (31), and included about 20 vessels and activists from over 40 countries. The arrival of the fleet was scheduled for September 15.
Among the expedition participants were Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and Barcelona Mayor Ada Colau. In addition to the delivery of food, water, and other essential materials for the Palestinian population, the purpose of the trip was to press European governments to rethink their relations with the Israeli government amid the calamity scenario in Gaza.
According to a statement issued by Flotilha on Monday (1), and determined by the Associated Press (AP), winds greater than 56 km/h made the navigation unusual, especially for smaller boats, which forced the return of the fleet to the Spanish city. This was the fourth attempt this year of penetrating the blockade imposed by the Israeli government at the enclave. The last one happened last June, when Greta Thunberg and other activists were arrested and deported by Israel’s defense forces.
At the beginning of last August, the government of Benjamin Netanyahu said it would allow food to enter local traders to meet the basic needs of the enclave. However, a survey of the United Nations (UN) pointed out that less than 100 trucks with humanitarian aid were entering the Gaza Strip, a considerably less than 600 recommended by the agency.
Also according to AP, it is expected that the captains of the vessels meet again later this Monday to decide whether to try to resume the trip when weather conditions improve.
