On 1 June, the Madleen, a tiny but mighty boat named in honour of the first Palestinian fisherwoman of Gaza, set sail from Catania, Sicily, to Gaza as part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC). Onboard were 12 activists from around the world, determined to break Israel’s naval blockade of the Gaza Strip and to deliver aid in response to the famine and humanitarian crisis there. The boat carried baby formula, 100 kg (220 lb) of flour, 250 kg (550 lb) of rice, diapers, medical kits and crutches. None of this could have reversed what Israel is doing to the Palestinian people, but it carried powerful symbolism: the world is not blind. It sees what is happening, rejects Zionist propaganda about the root causes of the invasion and massacre of the Palestinian people, and is prepared to take great risks to support and stand alongside the brave people of the Gaza Strip.
After an eight-day trip through rough Mediterranean waters, under constant surveillance by Israeli and European drones and planes, following a migrant-rescue operation south of Crete and a quick refuelling stop in Egypt, the Madleen set sail on the final part of its voyage. In the early morning of 9 June, Israeli navy forces boarded the vessel in international waters, 185 kilometres from Gaza, forcibly detained the 12 activists, and transferred them to Israeli detention. The activists refused to sign documents stating that they had entered Israel illegally, which delayed their deportation and exposed them to acts of violence by Israeli authorities that may amount to torture under international law. The last three detained Freedom Flotilla volunteers were eventually released from Israeli detention on 16 June.
This was not the first time Israeli forces attacked solidarity vessels. After two Greek fishing trawlers (Free Gaza and Liberty) successfully breached the siege in 2008, Israel repeatedly attacked subsequent attempts by vessels or convoys to break the blockade, resulting in numerous arrests and injuries and in the killing of nine activists aboard the Mavi Marmara in 2010. Earlier this year, with the tolerance and diplomatic support of some allied states, Israel prevented the departure of other vessels: in April 2024 administrative and procedural pretexts stopped four vessels from leaving Istanbul, and in May 2025 the vessel Conscience — part of an FFC mission attempting to establish a humanitarian corridor — was struck by drones while preparing to set sail 14 miles off the coast of Malta in international waters. Four people were injured and the ship suffered damage and flooding.
But a promise was made: these attacks will not prevent the efforts of the international community. After regrouping and reorganising, a flotilla of solidarity boats was prepared: 47 vessels and nearly 1,000 activists are now trying to approach Gaza, to break the siege and deliver urgently needed humanitarian aid. The flotilla has already been attacked by Israeli drones on three separate occasions but remains determined to complete its mission. Israeli officials have repeatedly threatened the flotilla.
As in Gaza and the West Bank, Israel has made it clear that it is prepared to violate international law and even defy the International Court of Justice’s binding orders requiring unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza, by any means. The hundreds of thousands killed and the levelling of housing and infrastructure in Gaza over the past two years reveal a genocidal strategy by Israeli officials under the complicit tolerance of the US, the EU and many Arab states.
Against this, only the will and faith of an unprecedented international movement of solidarity can stop what is happening. Thousands demonstrate every day around the world, demanding an end to Israel’s invasion of Gaza, an end to the expanding colonising settlements on Palestinian land, an immediate end to the famine caused by the blockade of the Gaza Strip, and an end to the apartheid policies faced by Arab-origin citizens of Israel.
There are friends and comrades on some of these boats, friends and comrades who carry our faith too in the cause of a Free Gaza. We are frightened for their safety after the expected interception by Israeli forces. Our hearts are with them. We promise we will not leave them alone on their courageous voyage. We will work to make sure they return safely to their families and that their goal is achieved — sooner or later.
For a free Gaza!
For a free Palestine!
