Peace activists from various nations are embarking on a repurposed trawler to challenge an Israeli blockade and provide humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. 'The aim of this mission is to convey a message that civil society disapproves of the situation in Gaza,' stated Fellipe Lopes, the Portuguese media coordinator for the Freedom Flotilla Coalition aboard the ship Handala during a layover in Malta. The journey is fraught with peril. In 2010, another coalition ship on a comparable mission to Gaza was intercepted and boarded by Israeli forces, resulting in the death of nine activists. Other ships faced similar interceptions without fatalities.
'We anticipate encountering resistance during our mission,' commented Australian activist Michael Coleman. 'Our actions are not illegal in any way. The International Court of Justice has urged them to allow unrestricted access for aid into Gaza, and I appeal to them to permit us and other aid organizations immediate passage,' he added. The Handala was inspected in Malta by 78-year-old retired US Army Colonel and diplomat Ann Wright, who was aboard another coalition ship that was boarded by Israeli troops in 2010, an incident that led to the death of nine activists.
'These individuals are incredibly courageous, as we cannot predict what will occur. If the Israelis intercept them, we know the encounter will be harsh,' Wright remarked. The vividly painted Handala is crewed by activists from Italy, France, Norway, Australia, the Netherlands, Syria, and several Palestinians. It has made multiple port visits across Scandinavia and the Mediterranean to increase awareness about the conditions in Gaza. The voyage along the Eastern Mediterranean to Gaza is expected to last a week, although organizers mentioned the possibility of a stopover at another port en route.
