A coalition of international activists set off a new flotilla, Saturday, from Italy’s Sicily Island, to break the Israeli blockade on Gaza.
“The Freedom Flotilla Coalition” and the movement of “A Thousand Madeleines to Gaza” announced the departure of ten boats from the port of San Giovanni Li Cuti in Catania, Sicily, in a renewed effort to break the siege imposed on the Palestinian enclave.
“Each boat is a direct challenge to the blockade,” the organizers declared. In a joint statement, the groups emphasized that this mission is not a charitable endeavor but part of a global struggle against apartheid and a reaffirmation of Palestinians’ right to freedom.
The statement condemned Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza.
It highlighted that for two years, Israel has relentlessly bombed the territory, killing civilians, starving children, and targeting journalists and hospitals while Western governments continue supplying weapons and shielding Israel from international accountability.
The flotilla includes around 70 activists from over 20 countries. Among the participants are current and former ministers, members of parliament from Belgium, Denmark, the EU, Ireland, France, Spain, and the United States, along with trade unionists, artists, and activists from various fields.
Italy, Spain, and Greece intervened to protect the flotilla. Rescue ships were dispatched to safeguard the participants of the Global Resilience Flotilla, which continues its voyage toward Gaza despite being targeted by drone attacks.
