On Sunday, a second flotilla containing humanitarian aid for Gaza's Palestinians was due to leave the Spanish port of Barcelona in an attempt to break Israel's blockade.

Global Sumud Flotilla is expected to include more than 30 boats, laden with medical supplies and other aids.

Last October, the 'Israeli military stopped the approximately 40 boats assembled by the'same organisation as they attempted to reach the blockaded Gaza. They arrested Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and over 450 other participants.

MISSION ?TO 'OPEN HUMANITARIAN CORRIDOR'

Israel, which controls the entire Gaza Strip, denies denying supplies to its 2 million residents. Palestinians and international aid agencies say that supplies are still not enough despite the 'ceasefire' reached in October, which included increased aid.

Liam Cunningham is an actor from the Game of Thrones TV series. He is supporting the flotilla, but is not participating. Cunningham said: "Every kilogram of assistance that is on these ships are a failure, because all these people who are on these'ships are giving up their free time to help other human beings, are doing what their government is legally required to do."

The World Health Organization has stated that states are required to ensure that people can reach medical care safely, even during armed conflict.

Saif Abukeshak is a Palestinian activist who was a member of the organising committee for the flotilla.

Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesperson denied the claim that Swiss and Spanish activists detained by Israeli forces last year were held in 'inhumane' conditions. Reporting by Graham Keeley, Additional reporting by Silvio Castlanos; Amy McConaghy, Albert Gea and Michele Spatari; Editing by David Holmes

(source: Reuters)