‘To challenge deadly blockade’: New flotilla mission sets sail for Gaza

Human rights advocates call for diplomatic measures to guarantee flotilla safety and end Israel’s deadly Gaza blockade.The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) has announced that a new international mission is under way, with vessels stopping at European ports ahead of its attempt to reach Gaza’s shores in October.The coalition said in a statement that the mission to “challenge Israel’s illegal and deadly blockade of Gaza” would go ahead despite the violence Israeli forces inflicted on flotilla volunteers and activists, such as documented cases of severe beatings, repeated tasering and sexual assault.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Boat sets sail from Bristol, aiming to break Israel’s siege of Gazalist 2 of 3Four Gaza aid flotilla activists released from Libya detentionlist 3 of 3‘Active in BDS’: Document reveals how Israel scrutinised global NGOsend of listIt added that “action is needed now more than ever as much of the world has moved on from Gaza” since the announcement of a ceasefire in October 2025.According to the statement, two vessels have already set out. Handala II sailed around Scandinavia in June and July, stopping in Norway, Sweden and Denmark, while the shi...