Flotilla Aid Convoy to Pass by Malta on Its Way to Gaza
Crowds cheering at the departure of the flotilla in Barcelona | Photo: @leyre_pgonzalez
Most of the time our stories on this blog are about Malta’s culture, history and nature. But sometimes we find ourselves in the middle of world events and a story becomes too important to ignore.
The Global Sumud Flotilla which left the port of Barcelona on Sunday is one of those stories.
Press conference at the port of Barcelona | Photo: @leyre_pgonzalez
This is the largest attempt by activists and humanitarians from around the world to break the Israeli siege by sea.
Hundreds of people including the likes of Greta Thunberg and “Game of Thrones” actor Liam Cunningham are on board of dozens of boats.
Their goal is to open up a humanitarian aid corridor in the Mediterranean Sea for the starving people of Gaza.
Flotilla project leader Thiago Avila (Brazil) with Yasemin Acar (Germany) | Photo: @leyre_pgonzalez
Previous Incident Close to the Maltese Coast
Earlier this year in May, a ship called the Conscience was attacked by drones just off Malta’s waters near Hurd’s Bank.
On board were activists from over 20 countries (waiting for Greta Thunberg to board). The ship caught fire after two drone strikes destroyed its generator.
Flotilla boat “Conscience” at Hurd’s Bank | Photo: Freedom Flotilla
Global Sumud Flotilla, Barcelona | Photo: @globalsumudflotilla
An Israeli Air Force C-130 Hercules had patrolled the area around Hurd’s Bank at an altitude as low as 5,000 feet just before. According to Malta Independent, the aircraft either entered or came very close to Maltese airspace.
Though the attack happened in international waters, the location was so close to Malta that distress signals were picked up here. Tugboats and patrol boats were sent.
Activists criticised Malta’s slow response. Maltese NGOs such as Moviment Graffitti demanded the government to act and suggested the vessel should be given a Maltese flag as a sign of solidarity.
Route
Global Sumud Flotilla route passing by Malta
The Global Sumud Flotilla has just left Barcelona with more than 20 boats. Another 30 will join from Italy, Tunisia and Greece.
In about five days the convoy should pass the Maltese islands. Most likely they will go north of Gozo before heading further east.
Humanitarian Aid Corridor
Humanitarian aid boarding ships at Barcelona port | Photo: @leyre_pgonzalez
Gaza is currently facing famine. Two million people are in catastrophic need. Aid has been blocked for months.
UN humanitarian counteractions are being vetoed by the United States. EU member states’ calls for economic sanctions are being vetoed by Germany. Organisers of the flotilla argue that if governments fail to act, the civil society must do so.
With the Global Sumud Flotilla passing by our islands again, Malta will once more be part of this story. Maybe only as a dot on the activists’ maps. Or maybe more, depending on what happens.
Follow us on instagram for further updates! We will keep close eyes on the convoy.
