Overview

• The Handala is berthed in Syracuse and will load donated food, medical equipment and infant formula at Augusta and Gallipoli before departure.
• Eighteen activists will embark on July 18, including deputies Gabrielle Cathala and Emma Fourreau, influencer Jacob Berger, union organizer Chris Smalls and lawyer Huwaida Arraf.
• This mission succeeds June’s Madleen expedition, which was intercepted by Israel, and continues a nonviolent campaign against the near-total Gaza blockade imposed since March.
• Organizers plan port events in Gallipoli to mobilize international support and draw attention to children’s suffering under Israeli bombardment.
• The operation renews diplomatic pressure on Israel and raises legal questions over maritime law and national sovereignty as relief efforts press forward.