The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) will attempt to break the Israeli siege of Gaza with another ship. Last month, the Madleen was seized by Israeli forces before reaching the starving people of the Strip.
A statement on the organization’s X account announced that the next ship will set sail from Italy next week. “We are setting sail again. On July 13, 2025, our boat Handala will depart from Siracusa, Italy, to break Israel’s illegal blockade. This mission is for the children of Gaza.” It continued, “Just weeks ago, Israeli forces illegally seized our boat Madleen and abducted 12 unarmed civilians aboard her in international waters.”
We are setting sail again. On July 13, 2025 our boat #Handala will depart from Siracusa, Italy to break Israel’s illegal blockade. This mission is for the children of Gaza.
Just weeks ago, Israeli forces illegally seized our boat #Madleen and abducted 12 unarmed civilians aboard… pic.twitter.com/G4LjtpQg7Q
— Freedom Flotilla Coalition (@GazaFFlotilla) July 6, 2025
In June, the FFC’s Madleen attempted to break the siege, carrying 12 crew members, including Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, and baby formula. That ship was seized by Israel, and some crew members were detained for a week.
Since the ship was prevented from reaching Gaza, newborns in the Strip have died from starvation.
The FFC has dispatched multiple ships to Gaza since Israel turned the densely populated region into an open-air prison. Israel has used lethal force to prevent ships from delivering aid to the malnourished people in Gaza.
The FFC statement adds that action is needed as the Palestinians are starving to death. “Since March, more than 6,572 Palestinians have been killed, over 23,000 injured, and hundreds shot while waiting for food. The children of Gaza now face famine, disease, and trauma few of us can imagine.” It adds, “We are not governments. We are people taking action where institutions have failed. We are not backing down.”
At least 750 Palestinians have been killed in just over a month as they attempted to reach aid distribution sites. Tel Aviv is only allowing the US-based Gaza Humanitarian Foundation to bring a limited amount of aid to Gaza. The GHF operations are insufficient and disorganized. Amnesty International has labeled the GHF a tool of the Israeli genocide in Gaza.
