Greta Thunberg’s boat heading to Gaza forced to turn back within hours

Greta Thunberg's flotilla, which was en route to Gaza, has reportedly been forced to turn back just hours after it departed.

The Global Sumud Flotilla left Barcelona, Spain, yesterday (31 August) armed with food, water, and medication to deliver to those in need.

On board the boats are hundreds of pro-Palestine activists and delegates from 44 countries, including the 22-year-old. However, the group is said to have abandoned the mission for now due to bad weather conditions.

In a statement posted to Instagram today (1 Sept), they explained: "Due to unsafe weather conditions, we conducted a sea trial and then returned to port to allow the storm to pass."

They added: "'This meant delaying our departure to avoid risking complications with the smaller boats.

"Facing over 30 knot winds and the unpredictable nature of the Mediterranean, we made this decision to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of all participants and to safeguard the success of our mission."

The Global Sumud Flotilla has been delayed by bad weather conditions (Europa Press News/Getty Images)

The flotilla, consisting of around 20 boats, is part of the largest attempt yet to break Israel's blockade of Gaza, after the United Nations' ruling that the Palestinian people are now suffering from a famine.

The move comes after Israel upped its offensive on Gaza by shutting down food distribution centres, bombing local bakeries in the area, and placing restrictions on medical aid.

According to the Gaza Health Ministry, over 63,000 people have died as a result of the war, and over 332 Palestinians have lost their lives to starvation - 124 being children.

So, Thunberg and other activists have taken matters into their own hands by attempting to break the blockade and demanding safe passage to Gaza, as per ITV News.

Thousands of pro-Palestinian supporters had gathered on the docks of Barcelona’s old port on Sunday to cheer the mission as it took off.

However, Spain’s national weather agency Aemet had issued warnings of rainfall and strong storms for the region of Catalonia, as well as other parts of Spain.

The group waved flags and chanted as the flotilla set sail (NurPhoto/Getty Images)

A statement on the Global Sumud Flotilla's website, outlining their mission, reads: "In June, we launched a globally coordinated mobilisation by land, sea, and air. In Summer, we return with a unified strategy: one goal and global coordination like never before.

"Our efforts build on decades of Palestinian resistance and international solidarity. Though we belong to/hold different nations, faiths, and political beliefs, we are united by a single truth: the siege and genocide must end.

"We are independent, international, and unaffiliated with any government or political party. Our allegiance is to justice, freedom, and the sanctity of human life."

As well as Thunberg, another notable name on the flotilla is the former mayor of Barcelona, Ada Colau.

The group have also received support from Academy Award-winning actress Susan Sarandon and Liam Cunningham, known for his role in Game of Thrones.

However, the Israeli military is likely to try to stop the boats from getting near Gaza, as they have done in the past.