A Gaza-bound humanitarian boat carrying medical aid and international activists docked in the southern Italian port city of Gallipoli on Wednesday, in the latest leg of its mission to break the illegal Israeli blockade on the besieged Gaza Strip.

The vessel, Handala, operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, departed from Syracuse, Sicily on Sunday, with around fifteen pro-Palestinian activists on board. It is now preparing for the next and most dangerous stage of its journey: sailing across the Mediterranean to challenge Israel’s maritime siege on Gaza, which has devastated the lives of over 2 million Palestinians trapped in the coastal enclave.

Before departing Syracuse, dozens of supporters—many waving Palestinian flags and wearing keffiyehs—gathered at the port to cheer on the boat with chants of “Free Palestine!”, expressing solidarity with the Palestinian people and their right to live free of occupation, siege, and war.

Once a Norwegian trawler, the Handala now carries a symbolic and urgent mission: delivering critical medical supplies, food, and children’s essentials to a population enduring the horrors of genocide and famine under Israel’s unrelenting aggression. The crew is determined to deliver this aid despite the grave risks involved, including potential Israeli military interception.

“Ciao, Gallipoli! Handala has arrived! On a final stop before sailing to break Israel's illegal siege of Gaza, Handala and its crew are once again mobilizing on Italian soil, building in solidarity for the Children of Gaza! We won't be deterred, we won't turn back!” the Freedom Flotilla Coalition declared in a statement.

Organizers described the voyage as part of a growing “international people’s corridor to Gaza,” a direct challenge to Western governments that have remained complicit in Israel’s blockade by failing to uphold international law or hold Tel Aviv accountable for war crimes.

Two French parliamentarians from the France Unbowed (La France Insoumise) party are expected to join the Handala in Gallipoli, underscoring the growing political and grassroots support for the mission. Their participation sends a strong message of international solidarity with Palestinians resisting Israel’s siege and occupation.

This latest initiative follows the Madleen, another aid ship that departed Italy in late May carrying humanitarian supplies and high-profile activists, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg. Israeli naval forces intercepted the Madleen approximately 185 kilometers from Gaza’s shore, blocking the aid and arresting several passengers in what human rights groups denounced as a violation of maritime and humanitarian law.

Since early March, Israel has imposed a total blockade on Gaza, preventing virtually all aid—including food, fuel, and medicine—from entering the territory. While some restrictions were partially eased in late May, humanitarian agencies, including the United Nations, have described the situation as catastrophic, with children dying from hunger, hospitals collapsing, and entire families wiped out under Israeli bombardment.

The Freedom Flotilla’s voyage comes amid mounting calls around the world for an immediate end to the siege and justice for the Palestinian people, who have endured decades of occupation, apartheid, and systematic dehumanization.

The Handala is named after Handala, the iconic barefoot Palestinian child drawn by political cartoonist Naji al-Ali—symbolizing steadfastness and the right of return. The vessel embodies that same spirit of resistance and international solidarity.

“This is not just a journey to Gaza,” said one activist on board. “It is a journey to the conscience of the world. And we call on all people of humanity to stand with us, to stand with Gaza, to stand with Palestine.”

As the Handala prepares to set sail for Gaza, organizers remain clear in their mission: to break the siege, deliver aid, and amplify the cry of a people resisting annihilation. (ILKHA)