The Freedom Flotilla Coalition announced that its vessel Handala will depart from the southern Italian port of Gallipoli on July 20, aiming to break Israel’s illegal and deadly blockade of the Gaza Strip.

The final technical preparations have briefly delayed the sailing, originally expected earlier this week.

This humanitarian voyage is the coalition’s latest initiative in confronting the genocidal siege imposed by Israel on over two million besieged Palestinians in Gaza.

Among the passengers on board Handala is 70-year-old Vigdis Bjorvand from Norway, who has stood with the Palestinian cause for nearly five decades. “She does not want her grandson to one day say: Grandma, you did nothing,” the flotilla organizers posted on X. “Keep Vigdis and Handala safe. Help end Israel’s illegal blockade and genocide.”

Also joining the journey is European Parliamentarian Ema Fauro, who announced: “I will be on board Handala, one of the Freedom Flotilla’s ships, to break the humanitarian blockade on Gaza. Alongside me are my companion Gabrielle Cathala and 16 humanitarian activists. We rely on your support to protect our journey and denounce the genocide!”

The Handala carries with it not only aid and solidarity, but the symbolic resistance of Palestinian identity and steadfastness. It is named after Handala, the beloved cartoon figure of Palestinian defiance created by the martyred artist Naji al-Ali, who was assassinated in London in 1987.

“The vessel carries the spirit of Handala,” the flotilla said, “and the spirit of every child in Gaza deprived of safety, dignity, and happiness.”

This is not the Handala’s first voyage. In 2023 and 2024, it docked in northern Europe and the UK, where it held press events, political discussions, and art exhibitions to raise awareness and mobilize support for Gaza’s besieged people. Each port stop served to break the media silence on Israel’s war crimes and genocide.

This marks the second flotilla voyage toward Gaza since the Israeli onslaught intensified. The first, the Madelene, was intercepted and stormed by Israeli forces before reaching Gaza. All 12 activists onboard were detained and later deported.

“This is not an ordinary journey. It is an act of collective solidarity, resistance and hope. As we prepare to sail, we remain determined to break Israel’s illegal and inhumane blockade of Gaza and to demand an end to the impunity that allows it to continue,” The Freedom Flotilla Coalition stated.

“We know the risks, but we know the urgency. The people of Gaza cannot wait. We carry their voices with us – especially the voices of children – and the voices of people around the world demanding justice.”

As Handala prepares to set sail, the Freedom Flotilla calls upon civil society, human rights organizations, and governments around the world to stand in support of their mission and to apply pressure on Israel to end its medieval siege.

In the words of the coalition, “Handala sails not only for Gaza, but for the dignity of all people who believe in justice, freedom, and the right to live.” (ILKHA)