The Freedom Flotilla Coalition launched a new humanitarian mission to Gaza with the departure of the vessel "Handala" from the Sicilian port of Syracuse on July 13, 2025. The ship carries approximately 15 pro-Palestinian activists, including French MPs Emma Fourreau and Gabrielle Cathala from La France Insoumise, along with essential humanitarian aid such as medical supplies, food, and baby essentials. This mission follows a previous attempt in June involving the vessel "Madleen," which was intercepted by Israeli forces. The coalition aims to challenge and break the Israeli naval blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip, which has been in place for 136 days. The "Handala" is named after the iconic Palestinian political cartoon character created by Naji al-Ali and symbolizes ongoing grassroots international solidarity efforts that have been active since 2010. The flotilla's departure comes amid heightened tensions, including Israeli military orders to concentrate Palestinians into a camp in Rafah, which critics describe as a potential prelude to ethnic cleansing. Activists aboard the "Handala" emphasize the urgency of breaking the blockade to alleviate the acute humanitarian crisis faced by Gaza's population. The mission is part of a broader international campaign to deliver aid and draw global attention to the siege on Gaza.