A second group of international activists from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition has embarked on a mission to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, challenging the ongoing Israeli blockade. The vessel, named Handala, departed from Gallipoli, Italy, five days ago, carrying supplies urgently needed by the population of Gaza, which is facing a severe humanitarian crisis.
The current mission follows a previous attempt when the Madleen was intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters, resulting in the ship’s seizure. This incident underscores the dangers faced by those participating in such missions. Among the 21 crew members aboard the Handala are seven U.S. citizens, including Palestinian American human rights attorney Huwaida Arraf, who has been involved in Freedom Flotilla initiatives for over a decade. Arraf was also part of the 2010 flotilla when Israeli forces killed ten activists during a raid.
As the Handala approaches Gaza, the situation for residents in the enclave has deteriorated further. According to Save the Children, over 1.1 million children in Gaza are at risk of starvation, a crisis exacerbated by the blockade. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition emphasizes that their mission is not only to deliver aid but also to send a political message: the blockade must end.
Challenges Faced by the Crew
Before sailing, crew members reported two incidents they suspect were attempts at sabotage. Arraf detailed that a rope was found tightly wound around the ship’s propeller, a situation she described as unusual. In another alarming incident, a water truck delivered sulfuric acid instead of clean water, which could have caused serious harm had the crew not identified the error in time.
Despite these challenges, Arraf expressed determination to reach Gaza, stating, “The blockade was illegal in 2008; it is illegal and deadly and part of a genocide now.” The current mission aims to raise awareness about the blockade’s humanitarian impact and to pressure international governments to take action.
The Handala is expected to arrive in Gaza in approximately two days, coinciding with the anniversary of the Madleen’s interception. Arraf noted the heightened risks involved, as Israel has a history of violently obstructing such missions. She called upon the U.S. government and media to recognize the situation, emphasizing that the crew is sailing under international law and is committed to delivering humanitarian aid.
Humanitarian Message and International Response
The vessel carries not only essential supplies but also symbolic items for children in Gaza, including baby formula, diapers, and stuffed animals, donated by children in Italy. Arraf highlighted the humanitarian catastrophe, stating, “This is not just about aid; it is about fighting against a policy that has allowed Israel to turn Gaza into an extermination camp.”
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition continues to assert that the blockade is a deliberate act of engineering famine, and they are committed to breaking this blockade. Arraf’s call to action resonates with many who oppose the blockade, including an appeal to American citizens and lawmakers to advocate for an end to what she describes as complicity in the crisis.
As the Handala navigates the Mediterranean towards Gaza, it represents not only a mission of goodwill but also a significant challenge to international policies regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The crew remains hopeful yet aware of the potential for confrontation as they approach their destination, underscoring the complexities of providing humanitarian assistance in such a fraught environment.
