Handala departure from Italy to Gaza delayed over ‘technical issues’

Rome: The Freedom Flotilla Coalition announced that final technical preparations have delayed the departure of the ship Handala from the Italian port of Gallipoli to Gaza until 20 July.

According to a previous announcement, among the activists on board Handala will be 70-year-old Vigdis Bjorvand from Norway, who has campaigned for Palestinian rights since 1978.

In a post on X, the flotilla organisers noted: “She does not want her grandson to one day say: Grandma, you did nothing. Keep Vigdis and Handala safe. Help end Israel’s illegal blockade and genocide.”

Also joining the voyage is European parliamentarian Ema Fauro, who said in a post on X: “I will be on board Handala, one of the Freedom Flotilla’s ships, to break the humanitarian blockade on Gaza. Alongside me are my companion Gabrielle Cathala and 16 humanitarian activists.

“We rely on your support to protect our journey and denounce the genocide!”

The ship was named after Handala, the iconic cartoon figure created by the late Palestinian artist Naji al-Ali. The flotilla said the vessel carries “the spirit of Handala and the spirit of every child in Gaza deprived of safety, dignity and happiness”.

Throughout 2023 and 2024, Handala visited several ports in northern Europe and the UK to break media silence on the situation in Gaza, engage with local communities, and build solidarity through press events, art exhibitions and political discussions at every stop.

Handala is the second vessel the coalition has sent toward Gaza to break Israel’s blockade. The first ship, Madelene, was intercepted by Israeli forces before reaching the enclave. Troops stormed the boat, detaining all 12 activists on board, and later deported them.

The Freedom Flotilla said in a statement: “This is not an ordinary journey. It is an act of collective solidarity, resistance and hope. As we prepare to sail, we remain determined to break Israel’s illegal and inhumane blockade of Gaza, and to demand an end to the impunity that allows it to continue.”

The statement added: “We know the risks, but we know the urgency. The people of Gaza cannot wait. We carry their voices with us – especially the voices of children – and the voices of people around the world demanding justice.”