The Freedom Flotilla Coalition plans to launch a new vessel, Handala, in a renewed effort to challenge Israel’s ongoing maritime blockade of the Gaza Strip. The civilian boat is set to depart from the Italian port of Saragossa on July 13, 2025, carrying vital humanitarian aid and volunteers from various countries, the FFC announced on Monday.
Organizers describe the mission as a “grassroots international network” launching in the shadow of the ongoing mass atrocities in Gaza, which have killed at least 6,572 Palestinians and left over 23,000 injured.
The vessel is named after ‘Handala’, the iconic barefoot refugee child created by Palestinian cartoonist Naji Al-Ali, who has become a powerful symbol of Palestinian resistance.
“The boat carries his spirit and that of every child in Gaza who has been denied safety,” a statement from the coalition read.
The coalition further highlighted the dire humanitarian situation, with over 700 individuals being “gunned down” while waiting for food at distribution points controlled by the “Gaza Humanitarian Foundation” (GHF), which they describe as a “death trap masquerading as an aid scheme” backed by the US and Israel.
This latest journey comes just weeks after Israeli forces intercepted the flotilla vessel 'Madleen', detaining 12 civilians who were attempting to deliver medical supplies and messages of solidarity to Gaza.
The Madleen had embarked on a 2,000-km voyage from Catania, Sicily, on June 1st—just a month after Israel used drones to strike another Freedom Flotilla vessel, Concisence, which was sailing near Malta en route to Gaza.
Following the interception of the Madleen, Israeli authorities seized the ship at Ashdod port on June 10. Four activists, including Greta Thunberg, were deported, while eight others chose to remain in custody and contest their removal in court.
Israel subsequently deported the remaining detainees.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, an international movement formed in 2010, aims to end Israel’s maritime blockade of Gaza. Since its inception, the group has launched 36 missions in pursuit of this objective.
Israel has a documented history of intercepting Freedom Flotilla ships. In 2010 Israeli forces attacked the ‘Mavi Marmara’, resulting in the deaths of 10 Turkish citizens and the detention of activists.
