Overview

• On July 24 the Freedom Flotilla reported it had lost all contact with the Handala as it sailed toward Gaza in international waters.
• The flotilla’s press service said communications were jammed and multiple drones were spotted nearby, fueling concerns of interception or attack.
• The Handala departed Sicily on July 20 carrying about 15–20 activists, including La France Insoumise deputies Gabrielle Cathala and Emma Fourreau, along with medical supplies, food and children’s equipment.
• This operation follows the June Madleen flotilla interception, which included activists such as Greta Thunberg and MEP Rima Hassan in an earlier challenge to Israel’s maritime blockade.
• The mission highlights urgent humanitarian shortages in Gaza, where Israel’s March blockade has prompted UN warnings of looming famine.