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An international coalition of social movements announced the launch of a maritime flotilla that aims to reach Cuba next month with food, medicine, and other supplies, in what they describe as an attempt to "break the U.S. blockade" on the island.
The initiative, named Flotilla "Nuestra América", was presented this week and, according to the organizers, aims to respond to what they describe as a "rapidly deteriorating situation" in the country, characterized by fuel shortages, power outages, and lack of supplies in hospitals and pharmacies.
According to the Spanish medium eldiario.es that spread the announcement, the mission is inspired by the Global Sumud Flotilla that attempted to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. Its promoters assert that the objective is to transport essential supplies and send a political message of solidarity with the Cuban people.
Among the figures supporting the initiative are American activist David Adler, former British Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, and Democratic Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib.
Adler stated that "when governments impose collective punishments, ordinary people have the responsibility to act," while Corbyn criticized the U.S. embargo and defended Cuba's right to "decide its own future."
The call comes at a particularly sensitive time for Cubans, who are facing prolonged blackouts, endless lines to purchase fuel, and a growing crisis in the healthcare system.
However, although the organizers attribute the situation solely to the embargo, both inside and outside the island, numerous analysts and citizens also point to the regime's responsibility for the structural deterioration of the economy, the lack of deep reforms, and the mismanagement of resources.
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