The Freedom Flotilla Coalition says a new international mission is under way, with two vessels stopping at European ports before attempting to reach Gaza’s shores in October. The coalition says the mission is intended to challenge what it calls Israel’s illegal and deadly blockade of Gaza.
The coalition says the voyage carries serious risks, citing violence against flotilla volunteers and activists during earlier interceptions. Human rights advocates are calling on governments to help guarantee the vessels’ safety and press for access to food, water and medicine in Gaza.
The planned route and participants
Handala II sailed around Scandinavia in June and July, stopping in Norway, Sweden and Denmark. The Kate left Bristol earlier this month and has since called at ports in Ireland, Germany and France.
The coalition says stops in Spain, Portugal and Italy are planned before the vessels continue towards Gaza. Human rights advocates, peace activists, elected representatives, journalists, medical professionals and Palestinian-rights advocates are taking part.
What the coalition is asking governments to do
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition is calling for governments to guarantee safe passage, pressure Israel to end what it describes as obstruction of food, water and medicine entering Gaza, and declare that an attack or seizure of the vessels would bring diplomatic consequences.
It is also urging governments to use diplomatic and economic measures to end the blockade. Zohar Chamberlain Regev, a member of the coalition’s steering committee, said the flotilla would carry a demand at every port for Palestinians to be able to live with dignity. For additional context, see “Why the Strait of Hormuz crisis is reshaping global shipping”.
Earlier interceptions and Gaza’s humanitarian conditions
The coalition traces its roots to the Free Gaza Movement’s first voyages in 2008 and the 2010 Mavi Marmara incident, when Israeli forces killed 10 activists during a flotilla attempt. It says Israeli forces intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla twice in the past year, detaining more than 450 participants in October 2025 and about 175 more in April 2026.
Amnesty International said it documented sleep deprivation, denial of water and medical care, and other ill-treatment of activists held after the ships were intercepted and stormed. UNICEF estimates that more than 82 percent of families in Gaza remain water insecure and that roughly 90 percent of water and sanitation infrastructure is destroyed. Gaza’s Health Ministry has recorded more than 1,300 deaths from Israeli fire since the October truce began, with thousands still missing or believed trapped under rubble.
What happens next
The coalition says the vessels will make the planned calls in Spain, Portugal and Italy before continuing towards Gaza for the October attempt.
No comments yet. Start the discussion.