France, Sept. 2 -- After a weather-related delay, an international flotilla carrying aid and activists bound for Gaza has resumed its journey from Barcelona, setting off against the backdrop of intensified Israeli strikes in the Palestinian enclave.

A flotilla carrying international activists and humanitarian aid set off from Barcelona on Monday evening in what organisers are billing as the largest seaborne mission yet to challenge Israel's blockade of Gaza.

The convoy - dubbed the Global Sumud Flotilla - had first attempted to leave on Sunday under blue skies and the applause of thousands gathered on the docks of Barcelona's old port. But strong winds, gusting at more than 56 km/h, forced many of the smaller vessels to turn back.

With...