Freedom Flotilla’s Handala En Route to Challenge Israeli Blockade of Gaza

Warm welcome from solidarity activists in many ports along the way

By Freedom Flotilla Coalition
Global Research, July 29, 2024
Freedom Flotilla Coalition
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We want to update you, the supporters of U.S. Boats to Gaza and the Gaza Freedom Flotilla, on the status of the 2024 Gaza Freedom Flotilla.

The ship Handala of the 2024 Gaza Freedom Flotilla’s mission to challenge the Israeli naval blockade of Gaza has entered a crucial phase of the three-and-a-half-month voyage.

After departing from Norway in May 2024, Handala has traveled across Europe, and making significant stops in 20 ports in Norway, Sweden, Germany, the Netherlands, Ireland, France, Spain, and Portugal, with several more countries to come. This journey not only symbolizes solidarity with those in Palestine but also raises awareness about the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza due to Israeli genocide in Gaza and 17 years of land, air and sea blockade.

The Gaza Flotilla initiative, led by participants and crew members representing 19 countries, underscores global outrage over the ongoing Israeli genocide in Gaza. We call for a permanent ceasefire to end the genocide in Gaza, and for an end to the blockade that has severely restricted essential supplies, including food, medicine, and fuel, from reaching Gaza’s two million residents.

Handala has been received in each port by enthusiastic crowds of Palestinian solidarity supporters with cultural and educational community events. Handala is a great vehicle for Palestinian community efforts. See the Gaza Freedom Flotilla website and X account for many photos of the wonderful welcome Handala has received. We will have had a dozen US citizens on Handala by the time the voyage ends. 

As Handala continues toward Gaza in August, it embodies a beacon of hope and determination for advocates of human rights and justice worldwide. The mission seeks not only to deliver tangible aid but also to draw global attention to the urgent need for a sustainable solution to the protracted conflict. Here are some comments from people who have sailed with Handala this summer:

“I wanted to be on Handala because I have always acted to solve problems, help people be healthier and fitter mentally, physically and spiritually. It was a fantastic experience being on the sea from Spain to France with a group of people who are not afraid to call it like it is. People who are willing to go to Gaza and bring much needed awareness despite the serious dangers. We need more people like the people on the Freedom Flotilla to Gaza!”—Catherine Waters

“By sailing on Handala I become part of a powerful movement—an international delegation of solidarity activists sailing to bring food, medicine and above all solidarity and support to the people of Gaza. … I am proud to be a passenger aboard Handala, and I want the people of Gaza to know how many of us care about you and stand up for your right to live in freedom and dignity.”—Elizabeth Murray

The Break The Siege (BTS) flotilla continues to have flagging challenges for the three ships. We were hoping that the problems caused by Israeli and US meddling could have been resolved by now. As we work through the obstacles, however, others arise, but we hope that the Break The Siege flotilla may be able to sail in August also.

Join the Flotilla with a Flotilla in Your Community

Please join the Gaza flotilla with Palestinian supporters around the world on Saturday, August 10, and plan a flotilla on a lake or river near you to remind your communities about the ongoing genocide in Gaza and persecution of Palestinians in the West Bank. And please send us photos of your flotillas.

Please continue to support organizations working for Palestinian rights and if you have further funds, we can always use donations to the Gaza flotilla.

Free, Free Palestine!

US Boats to Gaza—Huwaida, Ann, Kit, Alex, Ellen, Sherri, Lori, and Tova

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The original source of this article is Freedom Flotilla Coalition
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