Wave of Hope, Freedom Flotilla’s New Mission Sets Sail for Gaza

Despite recent Israeli crackdowns and detentions, the international humanitarian group Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) has launched a new flotilla of 11 boats aimed at delivering aid to Gaza and raising global awareness about the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding there.

According to Turkey’s Anadolu Agency, the new convoy began its journey from Otranto, Italy, on September 25, with two boats flying Italian and French flags. On September 30, they were joined by a third boat named “Conscience”, and will soon merge with another group of eight boats operating under the mission “A Thousand Medallions to Gaza”.

Currently, around 100 international volunteers are on board, and the flotilla is sailing near Crete, Greece. The mission not only seeks to deliver vital food and medical supplies but also to serve as a global reminder of the suffering of over 2.4 million Gazans trapped under blockade.

This new effort comes just a day after Israeli naval forces intercepted 42 aid boats, detaining 500 volunteers. Historically, Israel has repeatedly intercepted such aid missions, confiscated supplies, and deported activists.

Israel has maintained a tight blockade over Gaza for 18 years, with all border crossings completely sealed since March this year. According to the United Nations, Gaza is becoming “uninhabitable”, with famine, disease, and destruction rising rapidly. Since October 2023, more than 66,200 Palestinians—over half of them women and children—have been killed in Israeli bombardments.