The civilian aid vessel Handala, part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), is nearing the Gaza Strip, aiming to break the longstanding Israeli naval blockade and deliver humanitarian supplies. The ship, which departed from Syracuse, Italy, on July 13, 2025, and later from Gallipoli on July 20, is carrying approximately 15 to 21 international activists, medics, lawyers, and journalists. Its journey has drawn "all eyes" as it approaches the besieged enclave, according to a tweet from the Handala account.
The Handala's mission is multifaceted: to directly challenge the blockade, deliver essential aid including food, medicine, and baby formula, and express solidarity with the Palestinian population. This voyage follows the interception of a previous FFC vessel, the Madleen, by Israeli forces in June 2025, which resulted in the detention and deportation of its crew. The FFC asserts that the blockade is illegal under international law and highlights the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Recent reports indicate that the Handala has experienced significant incidents during its journey. On July 25, the FFC announced a two-hour communication interruption, during which up to 16 drones were reportedly spotted near the vessel, raising concerns about potential interception. Additionally, just hours before its departure from Gallipoli, the ship faced suspected sabotage attempts, including a rope wrapped around its propeller and a delivery containing a corrosive chemical.
Named after the iconic Palestinian cartoon character Handala, symbolizing resistance and the right of return, the vessel carries a powerful symbolic message. The FFC, a grassroots international network, has organized similar missions since 2010 to draw global attention to the humanitarian situation in Gaza. The Handala is equipped with an advanced tracking system, a collaboration with Forensic Architecture, to ensure the safety of those on board and maintain transparency regarding its location.
The ship is now less than 349 nautical miles (646 kilometers) from Gaza, continuing its voyage despite the reported threats and surveillance. The FFC emphasizes that the supplies on board, while vital, are symbolic given the immense needs of Gaza's population, which has faced a severe humanitarian crisis with thousands of casualties reported since March 2025. The mission underscores a growing international movement advocating for an end to the blockade and unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza.