A second group of activists from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition has embarked on a mission to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, challenging Israel’s ongoing blockade. The ship, named Handala, departed from the southern Italian port city of Gallipoli five days ago and is carrying essential supplies for the area’s vulnerable population. This mission comes in the wake of a previous attempt by the coalition, during which their vessel, the Madleen, was seized by Israeli forces in international waters.
The current mission, named after a ten-year-old Palestinian cartoon character, aims to highlight the dire conditions faced by residents in Gaza. According to Save the Children, over 1.1 million children in the region are at risk of starvation, underscoring the urgent need for assistance. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition has stated that the Handala carries lifesaving humanitarian supplies and a political message: the blockade must end.
Among the 21 crew members on board, Huwaida Arraf, a Palestinian American human rights attorney, is a notable participant. Having been involved in Freedom Flotilla missions for over a decade, Arraf has firsthand experience of the risks involved, including a past incident in 2010 when Israeli forces killed ten activists during a raid. Speaking from the ship, Arraf described two recent incidents of suspected sabotage that occurred prior to departure, raising concerns about the safety of the mission.
“The blockade was illegal in 2008; it is illegal and deadly and part of a genocide now,” Arraf stated. She emphasized that the international community has largely ignored the plight of Gaza, allowing Israel to impose conditions that many describe as an “extermination camp.” The activists are determined to continue their journey despite the risks, which include potential military intervention from Israeli forces.
Challenges Faced by the Freedom Flotilla
As the Handala sails towards Gaza, the crew reported unusual incidents that they believe may have been attempts to sabotage their mission. One incident involved a rope entangled around the ship’s propeller in a manner that suggested tampering. Another incident occurred when a water truck delivered sulfuric acid instead of potable water, which could have caused serious harm had it been connected to the ship’s systems.
Arraf noted, “Israel announced that it was trying to stop us in various ways. It has sabotaged before. We suspect it was another attempted sabotage.” Despite these challenges, the crew remains focused on reaching their destination, seeking to provide aid and draw attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The activists are approximately two days away from Gaza, nearing the point where the Madleen was intercepted. Arraf called on the U.S. government to intervene, stressing that seven American citizens are among the crew. She criticized the ongoing support for Israel’s actions, stating, “This is not what the American people want.”
A Call for Action and Solidarity
The mission of the Handala is not only about delivering aid but also about raising awareness of the broader issues surrounding the blockade. Arraf explained that the supplies on board include food, baby formula, diapers, and toys—gifts from children in Italy to their counterparts in Gaza. This gesture is intended to symbolize solidarity and hope amid the ongoing crisis.
Arraf’s message highlights the urgent need to address the policies that have led to the humanitarian disaster in Gaza. She stated, “It’s not just about humanitarian aid. Yes, Palestinians in Gaza need humanitarian aid, but that is a deliberately created situation.” The activists aim to challenge the international community to take action against what they describe as an engineered famine.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition’s mission underscores a growing movement advocating for the rights of Palestinians living under blockade. As the Handala continues its journey, the situation remains tense, with the potential for further confrontation with Israeli forces. The activists remain resolute in their commitment to their cause, hoping to arrive safely in Gaza and deliver their message of solidarity and humanitarian support.
