Storm Forces Greta Thunberg’s Aid Flotilla to Return

Greta Thunberg’s support mission, known as Flotilla, had to turn back to port after facing turbulent weather, just hours into its voyage to Gaza, organizers announced on Monday.

The 22-year-old activist embarked from Barcelona on Sunday, branding it as the “largest solidarity mission” in history, despite facing threats of arrest under strict conditions labeled “terrorist-level.”

Unfortunately, the storm, featuring winds of up to 35 mph, compelled Thunberg and her team—including actor Liam Cunningham—to retreat.

“We conducted a sea trial and then returned to port due to the storm, which meant delaying departures to avoid complications for smaller boats,” said a statement from the global Sumud Flotilla Mission, but they didn’t specify when they would reschedule their trip.

This effort came a few months after Swedish climate activists faced detainment by the Israeli Navy during a prior attempt to reach Gaza.

Israel was prepared to intercept this latest attempt as well, reportedly intending to detain activists under severe “terrorist-level” conditions, according to Israeli media.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the mission, calling it a propaganda effort in support of Hamas, while others dismissed it as merely a “selfie yacht” for promoting an aid mission.

Before setting sail, Thunberg stated that her flotilla represented a “global uprising against abuse” occurring in Gaza, with support from notable figures like former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau and actress Susan Sarandon.

The flotilla was set to include dozens of additional ships this week from various Mediterranean ports, including Tunisia and Italy.