‘To challenge deadly blockade’: New flotilla mission sets sail for Gaza

Human rights advocates call for diplomatic measures to guarantee flotilla safety and end Israel’s deadly Gaza blockade.The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) has announced that a new international mission is under way, with vessels stopping at European ports ahead of its attempt to reach Gaza’s shores in October.The coalition said in a statement that the mission to “challenge Israel’s illegal and deadly blockade of Gaza” would go ahead despite the violence Israeli forces inflicted on flotilla volunteers and activists, such as documented cases of severe beatings, repeated tasering and sexual assault.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Boat sets sail from Bristol, aiming to break Israel’s siege of Gazalist 2 of 3Four Gaza aid flotilla activists released from Libya detentionlist 3 of 3‘Active in BDS’: Document reveals how Israel scrutinised global NGOsend of listIt added that “action is needed now more than ever as much of the world has moved on from Gaza” since the announcement of a ceasefire in October 2025.According to the statement, two vessels have already set out. Handala II sailed around Scandinavia in June and July, stopping in Norway, Sweden and Denmark, while the ship Kate departed Bristol, UK, earlier this month and has since called at ports in Ireland, Germany and France.Stops in Spain, Portugal and Italy are planned before the flotilla continues towards Gaza, the mission added.Demands and calls“The Freedom Flotilla sails again because our governments continue to fail to uphold their obligations,” said Zohar Chamberlain Regev, an FFC Steering Committee member.“At every port, we will carry the demand that Palestinians be free to live with dignity,” he added.Human rights advocates, peace activists, elected representatives, journalists, medical professionals and advocates for Palestinian rights have joined the new flotilla.The coalition is calling on governments to guarantee safe passage for the flotilla, press Israel to end its obstruction of food, water and medicine into Gaza, declare that any attack or seizure of the vessels will trigger diplomatic consequences and use diplomatic and economic measures to end the blockade.