A group of islanders sets off for Gaza with a new Flotilla: "It is an obligation to denounce this brutality"

PalmaA group of islanders (three from Majorca and one from Minorca) will set off for Gaza from Barcelona this week with a new humanitarian flotilla. We speak with Lluís (Ciutadella) and Toni (Sant Llorenç), who have decided to join the new Sumud Flotilla. Both share a goal: to force the opening of a sustained humanitarian corridor. The action combines the sending of aid with the will to denounce and raise awareness: “It is also a way to mobilize people and pressure governments to act,” they explain.

The participants argue that the flotilla is part of a non-violent movement with years of trajectory, which seeks both humanitarian and political impact. They consider that the only real brake on Israel is the international political cost, and that this only increases if there is social pressure. Therefore, beyond direct aid, the objective is to re-center the conflict in public debate.

The decision to get personally involved often stems from a feeling of powerlessness. Lluís, who worked seasonally to join the project – he participated a few months ago –, explains that after witnessing the genocide “live” without being able to intervene, he decided to take action. “On the flotilla, I felt I could do something that would have more impact,” he assures. Toni Riera, a retiree from Sant Llorenç, expresses a similar sentiment, appealing to individual responsibility: “It is an obligation to denounce this brutality in the face of the inaction of those who should enforce international laws”.

The preparation process has been long and demanding. For months, volunteers from all over the world have been working on getting the boats ready, an experience they describe as intense but also enriching. In Riera's case, this preparation has included specific training in non-violence, security, and protocols for potential aggressions, as well as interception simulations by Israeli forces. “We are preparing for any scenario,” he states.

In this regard, they explain that the project is made up of very diverse profiles: from maritime professionals, such as mechanics and carpenters, to teachers, healthcare workers, and students, among others. “There are people of many nationalities and ages, all participating voluntarily,” they emphasize. This diversity is, according to them, one of the project's strengths.

Regarding the cargo, each vessel carries both provisions for the journey and humanitarian aid for Gaza. In Toni's case, the ship carries vegan food – as a symbol of non-violence –, medicines, and a significant shipment of school supplies: nearly 300 backpacks collected from about seventy educational centers, especially from Mallorca. There are also food items, hygiene products, and other basic materials. “It is essential to legitimize the mission as a humanitarian action”, they emphasize.

Both know that the risks are high and consider that the main threat is a possible interception by the Israeli army, in addition to the history of sabotage in previous missions. “We are facing an unpredictable reality”, they warn, although they assure that navigation is not the main cause for concern.

Despite everything, they insist that the initiative is necessary. They denounce that the blockade of Gaza is illegal and criticize the passivity of the international community. “The information is there, what is lacking is awareness”, says Riera, who also calls for citizen mobilization as a key element to force political changes. Along these lines, they argue that actions like the flotilla can have an impact beyond immediate aid.

“It may seem that it is of no use, but every mobilization counts. If people do not move, governments will not do so either”, they conclude. Thus, despite the lack of institutional support from the Balearic Islands, they maintain hope that social pressure will contribute to breaking the blockade and improving the situation of the Palestinian people.