A new vessel in the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, named the Handala, has officially departed from Italy, aiming to break Israel’s long-standing blockade on Gaza and deliver urgently needed humanitarian aid to the besieged Palestinian enclave.
The departure marks the latest attempt by international activists and aid groups to challenge Israel’s maritime restrictions, which have severely limited the flow of goods and medical supplies into Gaza for nearly two decades.
The mission follows the fate of a previous flotilla ship, the Madleen, which was intercepted and seized by Israeli naval forces in international waters in June 2025, sparking international criticism and calls for accountability.
“This is not just about delivering aid it is a peaceful act of resistance against the inhumane blockade of over two million people in Gaza,” said a spokesperson for the Freedom Flotilla Coalition ahead of the voyage.
The Handala is carrying medical supplies, food, and other essential items for civilian use in Gaza, where the humanitarian crisis continues to worsen amid ongoing Israeli military assaults. The vessel also carries a multinational crew of activists, journalists, and human rights observers committed to nonviolence and civilian protection.
Organizers say the mission is in compliance with international maritime law, and that the boat’s journey is both symbolic and urgent, highlighting the plight of Gazans under siege and the failure of the international community to act decisively.
Israel imposed the blockade on Gaza in 2007, citing security concerns after Hamas took control of the territory. However, human rights organizations and the United Nations have consistently condemned the blockade as a form of collective punishment, calling it illegal under international law.
The seizure of the Madleen last month, which occurred in international waters, drew condemnation from rights groups and several governments, who accused Israel of violating the freedom of navigation and interfering with humanitarian efforts.
Despite the risks, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition insists the Handala will continue its mission unless forcibly stopped, saying that solidarity with Gaza’s civilians must not be silenced.
“We know the risks, but we also know that silence and inaction are not options. This blockade is killing people slowly, and we must act,” said one activist on board.
Israeli authorities have not commented publicly on the departure of the Handala, but in the past, they have vowed to intercept any vessel attempting to breach the blockade.
The international community, including the European Union and UN humanitarian offices, are closely monitoring the situation, with growing calls for a political solution to the blockade and broader Gaza conflict.
