The Global Sumud Flotilla has delayed its entry into international waters due to weather conditions that appear to be dangerous. The flotilla mission to carry aid to Gaza launched from Barcelona with participants from 100 countries.
Global Sumud Flotilla stalls due to weather conditions
Weather conditions, which appear to be dangerous, delayed the convoy from entering international waters as it continues its mission to carry aid into Gaza. The flotilla departed from Barcelona with 39 vessels and about 1000 participants from 100 countries.
🚢 The largest civilian flotilla in history is underway. The Global Sumud Flotilla’s Spring Mission launched from Barcelona on April 12 with 39 vessels and ~1,000 participants from 100 countries, aiming to break Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza.
Weather has delayed entry into… pic.twitter.com/NNGyTNKbXQ
— Drop Site (@DropSiteNews) April 14, 2026
The Spring 2026 Mission began due to a direct call for aid from Palestinians in Gaza. The mission aims to challenge Israel’s blockade and also deliver humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza.
Beyond providing aid for civilians in Gaza, teams of doctors, nurses, eco-builders, and war crime investigators, among others, will also disembark. They will work together with civilians in Gaza to provide help where necessary.
The mission also aims to create a people’s corridor for aid, support reconstruction in Gaza, expose international complicity, and galvanise. support for Gaza.
In addition to the weather conditions delaying the flotilla, there are also rumours of sexual misconduct and abuse rocking the aid convoy. The organisation has, however, said that an internal investigation is underway regarding the rumour.
NGO representatives, activists, and volunteers established the Global Sumud Flotilla in 2025 to coordinate civilian efforts in getting aid to Gaza.
Israel sabotages flotilla’s initial attempt
Israel stopped the inaugural aid convoy, which tried to deliver aid to Gaza last year. Israeli forces intercepted the flotilla and took those on board into custody.
The inaugural flotilla,, which sailed in September 2025 comprised 42 boats and about 462 people. Those onboard reported that the Israelis disabled their communications signals.
However, the current flotilla is made up of more than 70 boats. The organisers project that over 100 boats will make up the flotilla. Organisers also expect additional boats from France, Italy, Tunisia, and Greece to join the fleet.
The flotilla is expected to begin its final approach toward Gaza around April 20.