A large flotilla of more than 70 boats carrying activists and humanitarian aid has departed from Barcelona, heading toward Gaza as part of the Global Sumud Flotilla.

Organizers say over 1,000 participants from around the world are involved, making it the largest civilian-led maritime mission of its kind aimed at protesting Israel’s actions and delivering attention to Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.

The convoy, delayed by bad weather, will be joined by additional boats from other Mediterranean ports as it sails east.

Supporters, including groups like Greenpeace Spain and Open Arms, say the mission is meant to draw global attention back to Gaza amid declining international focus, the AP has reported.

The effort follows previous attempts that were intercepted by Israeli forces, with organizers acknowledging the risks of another confrontation at sea.