From the port of Barcelona. The "Steadfastness Flotilla" prepares to break the siege of Gaza

The Spanish city of Barcelona is witnessing intensive preparations for the launch of a major humanitarian naval mission under the name of the "Global Steadfastness Flotilla", aimed at breaking the Israeli blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip.

This initiative comes amid growing international popular momentum, despite security challenges and potential maritime interception scenarios.

The largest humanitarian maritime operation

Fleet organizers announced at a press conference in Barcelona today that the voyage will include about 1,000 volunteers from 70 countries, who will sail on about 70 boats.

The organizing committee confirmed that this task is the largest of its kind, as it includes specialized cadres of doctors, teachers and construction workers, who have expressed their readiness to directly contribute to the reconstruction processes within the Gaza Strip.

A popular message that goes beyond diplomacy

The participants in the campaign stressed that the fleet carries a humanitarian and moral dimension that goes beyond official diplomacy, which they described as insufficient."

The activists stressed that the goal is to convey a message to the world that Gaza is not alone, calling for direct popular action to confront what they described as the "international institutional failure" to end the suffering of the residents of the Gaza Strip.

An extension of broad European moves

The flotilla's gathering in Barcelona comes after about 20 French boats set off from the port of Marseille at the beginning of April, reflecting the breadth of European solidarity.

Although the launch was postponed by a day due to bad weather, the determination remains to reach Gaza's shores within two weeks of sailing across the Mediterranean.

Test against the interception scenario

The new move faces a real test for the Israeli navy, which had previously intercepted a similar flotilla in October 2025, arresting and deporting activists (including MEP Rima Hassan and activist Greta Thunberg).

This time, the organizers are seeking to impose a new reality through the wide international participation and multinationality of the volunteers.