A Gaza-bound vessel carrying pro-Palestinian activists and humanitarian aid has departed from Sicily, marking a renewed effort to deliver support to the besieged territory.
The boat, Handala, operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, set sail from the port of Syracuse on Sunday with around 15 activists on board. Originally a Norwegian trawler, the ship is loaded with essential supplies including medical equipment, food, and children’s items. It is expected to spend approximately a week crossing the Mediterranean, covering a distance of about 1,800 kilometers, with hopes of reaching the Gaza coast.
This mission follows a similar attempt six weeks ago, when the vessel Madleen, carrying aid and activists — among them climate campaigner Greta Thunberg — was intercepted by Israeli authorities. The passengers were detained and later deported.
