Pro-Palestinian activists preparing to set sail from Spain on Sunday for Gaza in dozens of boats carrying aid have called on governments to pressure Israel to allow their flotilla — the largest to date — through the naval blockade.

Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and Portuguese left-wing politician Mariana Mortagua were among hundreds of people from 44 countries due to depart from several ports to Gaza as part of the Global Sumud Flotilla. Sumud means “perseverance” in Arabic.

“The ball was in the politicians’ court to put pressure on Israel to let the flotilla through,” said Saif Abukeshek, one of the organisers.

“They need to act to defend human rights and to guarantee a safe passage for this flotilla,” the Palestinian, a resident in Spain, told Reuters in Barcelona.

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