TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Freedom Flotilla Coalition is once again attempting to break Israel's blockade on Gaza with the new ship "Handala," which sailed from Siracusa, Italy.
Dozens of people, some carrying Palestinian flags and others wearing the traditional Palestinian scarf, keffiyeh, gathered at the port to bid farewell to the ship, shouting "Free Palestine."
"Just weeks after Israeli forces illegally seized our boat ‘Madleen’ and abducted 12 unarmed civilians in international waters, we continue — with global solidarity — to challenge Israel’s illegal and deadly siege," the Freedom Flotilla stated on social media X on Sunday, as quoted by Anadolu.
Although the activists aboard the "Handala" are yet to be identified, their number is estimated at 18 people.
The Norwegian fishing vessel, laden with medical supplies, food, children's essentials, and medicine, will sail for approximately a week in the Mediterranean Sea, covering a distance of about 1,800 kilometers, with the hope of reaching the shores of Gaza.
In early March, Israel enforced a total aid blockade on Gaza amid forthcoming negotiation standstills, only partially easing restrictions at the end of May.
The ship will make a stop in Gallipoli, southeastern Italy, where two members of the left-wing French party, La France Insoumise (LFI), are expected to join.
"This is a mission for the children in Gaza, to break the humanitarian blockade and to break the summer silence on the genocide," said Gabrielle Cathala, one of the two 'La France Insoumise' members who will board the ship on July 18, as quoted by Arab News.
"I hope we will reach Gaza but if not, it will be yet another violation of international law" by Israel, emphasized Cathala.
The Madleen ship, flying the British flag, set sail on June 6, 2025, from Sicily, Italy, with a mission to break Israel's sea blockade on Gaza. However, Israel intercepted the ship on June 9, and 12 of its passengers were detained.
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