“Handala” Ship Sets Sail from Sicily to Break Israel’s Blockade of Gaza

Kokcha News Agency: The “Handala” ship, part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, has set sail from Sicily, Italy, carrying approximately 15 activists and humanitarian aid destined for Gaza. The ship departed around 12:00 PM local time today, with plans to reach the Gaza coast in about a week after traveling approximately 1,800 kilometers.

The Handala, flying the Norwegian flag, is loaded with medical supplies, food, children’s equipment, and medicines. Dozens of supporters gathered at the port to see the ship off, waving Palestinian flags, wearing keffiyehs, and chanting “Free Palestine.”

This mission comes after a previous attempt in June, when activists, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, were detained and deported by Israeli authorities while trying to break the blockade.

**Israel’s Blockade and International Response**
Israel has maintained a strict blockade on Gaza since March, severely restricting the entry of humanitarian aid. While some restrictions were eased at the end of May, the situation in Gaza remains dire, with widespread shortages of essential supplies.

The Handala is expected to make a stop in southern Italy to pick up two members of France’s left-wing party La France Insoumise (LFI) before continuing its journey to Gaza.

Gabrielle Cathala, an LFI member set to board the Handala on July 18, stated, “This is a mission for the children of Gaza, aimed at lifting the humanitarian blockade and breaking the silence on genocide. We hope to reach Gaza. If we can’t, it will be another violation of international law.”