Freedom Flotilla Coalition to sail third Gaza-bound fleet from Europe in October
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The Freedom Flotilla Coalition will launch a third international flotilla from European ports in October to challenge Israel's naval blockade of Gaza. The ships will call at ports in Spain, Portugal and Italy before heading to the Gaza Strip. The coalition says it is shifting strategy after participants in the previous mission were detained and subjected to violence by Israeli authorities.
Key Facts
- The Freedom Flotilla Coalition will launch its third international flotilla in October to challenge Israel's blockade of Gaza, in place since 2007.
- The ships will call at ports in Spain, Portugal and Italy before heading to the Gaza Strip.
- Two vessels, Handala II and Kate, began sailing in June and July; Handala II is currently navigating around Scandinavia, while Kate has visited Ireland, Germany and France.
- In the previous flotilla attempt in May, hundreds of activists were detained by Israeli authorities and reported beatings and sexual assault by Israeli officials.
- US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee described settler attacks on Palestinians in the West Bank as 'terrorism' during a visit to Turmusaya near Ramallah.
Third Flotilla Launch
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, founded in 2010, will launch its third international flotilla in October to break Israel's blockade of Gaza, imposed since 2007. FFC spokesperson Huwaida Arraf said the ships will depart from European ports, make several stops across the continent, and attempt to reach Gaza in October. The vessels Handala II and Kate began sailing in June and July; Handala II is currently navigating around Scandinavia, while Kate has visited Ireland, Germany and France. FFC Executive Committee member Zohar Chamberlain Regev said the coalition aims to carry the demand and global solidarity to the shores of Gaza in October.
Previous Mission and Strategy Shift
In the previous flotilla attempt in May, hundreds of activists were detained by Israeli authorities. Participants reported beatings and sexual assault, including torture, by Israeli officials. Arraf said the coalition is now evaluating different ways to convert this force into sustainable political pressure to end Israel's illegal blockade of Gaza.
West Bank Settler Violence
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee described settler attacks on Palestinians in the West Bank as 'terrorism' and a 'criminal act' during a visit to Turmusaya near Ramallah. Huckabee said the US message is that people in these communities have the right to live in peace and security, and the Israeli government has the responsibility to ensure that. According to UN reports, more than 6,400 Palestinians have been displaced from 130 localities in the West Bank since 2023.
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