The World Has Moved On, But Nothing Has Changed in Gaza

While the situation in Gaza may have faded from the headlines, the reality facing Palestinians has not changed. Attacks and loss of life continue, while access to food, medicine, water, fuel and other essential supplies remains restricted.

That is why the Freedom Flotilla is setting sail again.

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition has announced a new international mission against Israel’s unlawful and deadly blockade of Gaza. This journey is about more than ships crossing the sea. At every port, solidarity will grow, Gaza’s voice will be brought back into the international spotlight, and governments will be urged to take action.

This Journey Did Not End in 2010

Years have passed since the Mavi Marmara. Yet the determination carried by the 10 humanitarian aid volunteers who were killed aboard the ship did not bring the struggle to reach Gaza to an end.

In the years that followed, flotillas were obstructed, activists were attacked and detained, and volunteers continued to face serious risks. Even after hundreds of flotilla volunteers were subjected to violence and mistreatment last spring, the movement did not step back.

The ships setting sail today carry that same determination forward.

Violence did not stop us. Neither will it stop our determination to reach Gaza.

From Port to Port, From People to People

The new mission will travel from port to port across Europe.

In June and July, Handala II stopped at ports in Norway, Sweden and Denmark. Earlier this month, the Kate departed from Bristol in the United Kingdom and continued on to Ireland, Germany and France.

Before continuing toward Gaza, the flotilla will also visit ports in Spain, Portugal and Italy.

At each stop, public gatherings, media events and meetings with local communities will be held. The aim is to strengthen solidarity with Gaza not only across the sea, but also in the hearts and conscience of people everywhere.

Human rights defenders, healthcare workers, journalists, civil society representatives and many other volunteers who stand for Palestinian freedom are coming together along the same route.

The Destination Is Clear: Gaza

Through its European port visits, the flotilla aims to increase international public pressure and call on governments to take action against what is happening in Gaza.

The coalition is calling on governments to ensure the flotilla’s safe and unhindered passage to Gaza, remove restrictions on humanitarian access, and take concrete steps to end the unlawful blockade.

The planned route leads from Spain, Portugal and Italy to Gaza.

Targeted arrival: October 2026.

“Silence Comes at a Greater Cost”

Edward Digilio, an engineer from Maryland, USA, said they were fully aware of the serious risks involved in sailing toward Gaza, but emphasized that silence and inaction would carry an even greater cost.

His words capture the spirit behind the mission: rather than watching what is happening in Gaza from a distance, choose to act.

Zohar Chamberlain Regev, a member of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition’s Board, said they would carry the demand for Palestinians’ freedom to live with dignity to every port they visit, with the aim of bringing that demand—and the solidarity of people around the world—to the shores of Gaza in October.