GSF Begins Next Phase With Departure From Barcelona

KUALA LUMPUR, April 15 (Bernama) -- The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) has confirmed the official departure of its fleet from Barcelona following a temporary weather-related delay, marking the first maritime movement of the mission’s next phase.

GSF in a statement today said the vessels include support from established maritime civil society actors including Greenpeace’s Arctic Sunrise and Open Arms, which are sailing alongside the civilian fleet as part of its broader humanitarian and safety framework.

“As the first vessels advance eastward, the flotilla enters a coordinated multi-port mobilisation phase across Italy and beyond, with public events, media engagements, institutional meetings, cultural gatherings, and operational milestones unfolding across Augusta, Catania, Siracusa, Rome, and wider Sicilian communities, as well as in Brussels, Belgium.

“At each stage, additional boats and international participants are expected to join ahead of the official expanded departure from Siracusa,” the statement said.

This phase unfolds against a shifting political backdrop in Italy and across Europe, as rising public pressure, parliamentary engagement, and recent moves by Rome regarding its military cooperation framework with the Israeli regime signal a changing diplomatic landscape.

It said within this context, each new port carries increasing visibility, participation, and political consequence, as the flotilla builds toward its consolidated departure from Siracusa on April 24.

GSF 2.0 brings together an international coalition committed to breaking the blockade on Gaza in response to the worsening humanitarian crisis in the territory.

The mission involves more than 80 vessels with the participation of about 1,000 individuals, encompassing maritime efforts and ground support movements, including legal advocacy and solidarity campaigns in various countries.

-- BERNAMA