MADRID, Sept 2 — A flotilla of dozens of boats loaded with aid for Gaza departed Barcelona port yesterday evening after stormy weather forced them to return to port earlier, Reuters footage showed.
Some of the boats of the Global Sumud Flotilla Mission blew their horns as they left the port.
"Free, free Palestine," shouted some activists at the port.
Pro-Palestinian activists including climate campaigner Greta Thunberg and Game of Thrones actor Liam Cunningham are on the flotilla of several dozen boats that is aiming to break Israel's naval blockade and deliver food and humanitarian supplies to the enclave, which has been devastated by nearly two years of war.
Also in the same mission are 15 representatives from Malaysia.
Mapim Malaysia chief executive officer Datuk Sani Araby, also the Malaysian chef de mission for GSF, said Malaysia’s participation reflects the country’s genuine commitment to the humanitarian cause.
“The Malaysian delegation was warmly welcomed by the international community as the Jalur Gemilang flew proudly in Barcelona.
“This flotilla mission is proof that the world is taking action, not just talking. Malaysia is respected for its courage, with the Prime Minister serving as patron of the Sumud Nusantara Movement and taking firm action at the international level,” he said in the statement.
Meanwhile, Sumud Nusantara director-general Nadir Al-Nuri, who is also a GSF main committee member, emphasised that the flotilla represents part of a global movement rejecting the siege on Gaza.
“From Barcelona to Kuala Lumpur, from Southeast Asia to the rest of the world, we must unite to demand the same rights. Stop the famine immediately, end the war in Gaza, and open the Rafah humanitarian corridor,” he said.
