New flotilla mission sets sail for Gaza to challenge blockade
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) has launched a new international mission to Gaza, with vessels stopping at European ports before attempting to reach the territory’s shores in October.
The coalition said the mission aims to challenge what it describes as Israel’s “illegal and deadly blockade of Gaza”. It said the flotilla would proceed despite reported violence against volunteers and activists during previous missions, including beatings, tasering and sexual assault.
Two vessels have already begun the journey.
Handala II travelled through Scandinavia in June and July, stopping in Norway, Sweden and Denmark, while the Kate departed Bristol earlier this month and has since stopped in Ireland, Germany and France. The flotilla is expected to make further stops in Spain, Portugal and Italy before continuing towards Gaza.
The coalition includes human rights advocates, peace activists, elected representatives, journalists, medical professionals and Palestinian rights campaigners. It is calling on governments to guarantee the vessels’ safe passage, press Israel to allow food, water and medicine into Gaza, and impose diplomatic consequences if the vessels are attacked or seized.
The FFC traces its roots to the Free Gaza Movement’s voyages in 2008 and the 2010 Mavi Marmara incident, when 10 activists were killed by Israeli forces during an attempt to reach Gaza.
The coalition said 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 has reported ill-treatment of activists detained after the interceptions.
The new mission comes as aid organisations continue to describe severe humanitarian conditions in Gaza. UNICEF estimates that more than 82% of families remain water insecure and about 90% of water and sanitation infrastructure has been destroyed.
Gaza’s Health Ministry has recorded more than 1,300 deaths from Israeli fire since the October ceasefire, while thousands remain missing or are believed to be trapped under rubble.