Greta Thunberg’s latest attempt to sail humanitarian aid to Gaza hit setbacks almost immediately, with stormy conditions forcing the activist’s flotilla to return to Barcelona on Sunday.
The 70-boat fleet, organized by the Global Sumud Flotilla Mission, had departed Spain carrying activists, supplies, and media attention. Winds of up to 35 mph pushed the vessels back to port after a brief sea trial.
“We conducted a sea trial and then returned to port to allow the storm to pass,” organizers said in a statement, adding that the smaller boats could not risk complications.
No Port to Dock
Even if the flotilla resumes, experts doubt its ability to succeed.
“There aren’t any port facilities in Gaza to unload anything, and Gaza lacks a port sufficient to receive such a large flotilla,” said James Kraska, professor of maritime law. He noted that the U.S. previously spent $200 million building a temporary pier that had to be dismantled due to poor conditions.
Israel maintains a naval blockade along Gaza’s coast, which Kraska said is recognized under international law as a lawful wartime measure. “Israel will act to prevent