A second humanitarian flotilla carrying aid for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip is set to set sail from Barcelona on Sunday in an attempt to break the Israeli blockade. About 30 vessels carrying medical supplies and other supplies will take part in the "Global Sumud Flotilla" initiative, with additional ships expected to join them en route to the Palestinian territories, "Reuters" reports.
Organizers describe the mission as an attempt to "open a humanitarian corridor" to allow easier access to the population in Gaza. According to Palestinian activist Saef Abukeshak, part of the organizing committee, the initiative aims to help deliver vital resources to the enclave. The World Health Organization reminds that even in armed conflicts, states are obliged under international humanitarian law to ensure safe access to medical assistance.
Israel, which controls access to the Gaza Strip, rejects accusations that it is obstructing deliveries and says that an increase in aid was secured under the October truce. However, Palestinian officials and international humanitarian organizations say that this remains insufficient for a population of more than two million people.
A similar flotilla organized by the same group in October last year was stopped by the Israeli military, and hundreds of participants were detained, including activist Greta Thunberg. Some of the participants then said that they were subjected to inhumane conditions during detention, allegations that Israeli authorities have rejected.