Photo credit: CNN
An Australian citizen will join Greta Thunberg in the third attempt this year to by activists to break Israel’s blockade of Gazza and deliver food and humanitarian supplies, departing from the Global Sumud Flotilla from Barcelona.
SBS News reports that Abubakir Rafiq, an activist and content creator from Sydney. is traveling with the group.
Rafiq said on board the flotilla, “It’s so loud and so hot. This is what solidarity looks like, it’s insane.” He was previously involved in a pro-Palestinian encampment at the University of Sudney, according to a friend. “He is like a little brother and I am deeply concerned for his wellbeing, but proud beyond all words to know him.”
Thousands of supporters were at the Barcelona port to see off the boats. Many of them were waving Palestinian flags and chanting “Free Palestine” and “It’s not a war, it’s a genocide.”
Before the departure of the flotilla, Thunberg told the crowd, “This is a mission to challenge extremely violent, business-as-usual international system that is failing to uphold international law.”
With Thunberg on the boat are actors Susan Saranfon and Liam Cunningham, as well as activists, politicians and journalists.
