Barcelona,Spain - Actor Liam Cunningham is among a group of Irish activists participating in a maritime effort to breach the Israeli blockade of Gaza,the Global Sumud Flotilla departing Barcelona Saturday. This is the fourth attempt this year to deliver humanitarian aid to the region,following previous efforts in May,June,and July that were intercepted by Israeli forces.
Greta Thunberg is also participating in the mission. She was previously deported by Israel in June when the ship she was traveling on, the Madleen, was stopped by the Israeli military. “It has been very clear that Israel has been continuously violating international law by either attacking, unlawfully intercepting the boats in international waters, and continuously preventing the humanitarian aid from coming in,” Thunberg told The Associated Press.
the Freedom Flotilla Coalition reports that in late July, the Israeli military detained 21 international activists and reporters aboard the Handala, seizing cargo including baby formula, food, and medicine. Earlier in May, the conscience was attacked by drones shortly after leaving Malta.Before departing Barcelona,Cunningham presented a video of a young girl,Fatima,singing while preparing for her funeral; she died four days prior. “What sort of world have we slid into where children are making their own funeral arrangements?” Cunningham asked reporters.
The flotilla’s attempt to deliver aid comes as an Israeli official announced Saturday that humanitarian aid to northern Gaza will soon be halted or slowed due to an expanded military offensive.
The current conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants attacked Israel, resulting in 1,200 deaths, primarily civilians, and the capture of 251 hostages.
