From Barcelona to Gaza...

Photo feature/Exclusive: Now that the Israeli murder machine has surrounded some of the ships sailing with essential humanitarian aid, baby formula and medicine, we bring to you the first pictures of hope and courage as some of the bravehearts started the long journey on international waters from the port of Barcelona.

Photos by Mathew Jacob, Barcelona, Spain

All pictures from Barcelona.

Editor's Note: The latest, confirmed news is that the Israeli blockade has been broken. Mikeno, one Flotilla ship, has reached the Palestine waters, amidst huge welcome by Palestinians waiting for it, and massive celebrations by the thousands of men and women gathered at the shore. Vidoes of the welcome has gone viral. This is big international news, and a big victory for the committed and courageous activists of the Sumud Flotilla.

Other members on the various ships have refused to succumb as the Israeli armed forces have surrounded them, detaining many of them.

They have challenged the Israelis to stop what is a legitimate mission under international law to bring essential humanitarian supplies in Gaza stalked by mass starvation enforced by Tel Aviv.

Israel is committing genocide, as the UN Commission of Enquiry has testified. Majority of the nations in the world have condemned Israel in the recent UN General Assemby held in New York. They have given recognition to the State of Palestine, including France, Canada and UK, among other nations.

Arms and trade embargo, sanctions, banning the nation from all international meets, includings sports and cinema, and total isolation of the Rogue State is becoming a rapid trend across the globe. Several governments have condemned Israel for detaining the ships, especially those whose citizens are on board. At the time of writing, things are fast unfolding.

The Guardian reports that massive protests have erupted across Europe after the Israeli attack on the Flotilla. In Italy, which saw a general strike in support of the flotilla last month, thousands turned out in cities across the country to back the Global Sumud Flotilla, which consists of more than 40 civilian boats carrying about 500 parliamentarians, lawyers and activists including Greta Thunberg...

"Protests were also reported in Brussel, Athens, Buenos Aires and Berlin, while the Spanish government called on Israel to protect the safety and rights of activists. In Rome, hundreds chanting “let’s block everything” gathered in front of the city’s Termini station, prompting authorities to limit access and close some metro stops. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched in Milan, Turin and Genoa, while protesters in Naples and Pisa briefly occupied station platforms and blocked trains. Thousands also gathered in Bologna carrying banners and flags..."

The detention of those sailing to Gaza has "set off a wave of diplomatic reprimands from around the world. Turkey’s foreign ministry called Israel’s “attack” on the flotilla “an act of terror” that endangered the lives of innocent civilians, reports the London newspaper.

Other countries have followed in condemnation demanding the safety of their citizens. Columbia has expelled Israeli diplmats in their country, and suspended the Free Trade Agreement with Israel.

Reports say huge protests are currently on in London, Paris and Berlin, among other cities, and it is spreading across the Western nations, including in the US.

The Global Sumud Flotilla comprise 44 ships representing over 50 countries with Greta Thunberg, and celebrities, actors, doctors, lawyers, activists, parliamentarians and others. It was accompanied by Spanish and Italian navy squads till they reached the Gaza shores. The entire world's attention is focussed on the Flotilla. They are carrying humanitarian aid, baby formula and medicine for the starving people of Gaza.