Freedom Flotilla Coalition plans new attempt to breach Gaza in October

Organizers of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FCC) announced Wednesday that they intend to launch another flotilla toward the Gaza Strip in October, Kan 11 News reported. The planned voyage will first make stops in Spain, Portugal and Italy before proceeding toward Gaza. Organizers say the flotilla will seek to breach what they described as "the illegal and deadly blockade imposed by Israel on Gaza." The campaign has already sent vessels on separate journeys through Europe. The Handala II traveled around Scandinavia in July, calling at ports in Norway, Sweden and Denmark. More recently, the Kate left Bristol in the United Kingdom and made stops in Ireland, Germany and France. According to the organizers, the European stops are intended to generate political pressure on governments to take action against Israel. “At every stop, the flotilla will stand alongside local communities to pressure their governments to take action against Israel, including blocking arms and energy shipments that fuel Israeli aggression, ending diplomatic and military cooperation, and imposing meaningful sanctions." The coalition said the broader purpose of the campaign is to increase public backing and build international pressure before the planned attempt to reach Gaza in October 2026. The announcement follows a previous flotilla attempt in June, when the Global Sumud flotilla sought to breach the Israeli naval blockade of the Gaza Strip. Israeli Shayetet 13 naval commandos intercepted the vessels and arrested those aboard. Related articles: France launches war crimes probe over flotilla interception Italy launches investigation against Itamar Ben Gvir Police in Spain beat Gaza flotilla activists Canadian PM slams Ben Gvir video of Gaza flotilla activists The Global Sumud flotilla consisted of 57 vessels and departed from Marmaris, Turkey, carrying hundreds of anti-Israel activists. Among those detained was the sister of Ireland's President Catherine Connolly. The Irish President subsequently said she was “very proud" of her sister.