The Freedom Flotilla Coalition is preparing another attempt to reach the Gaza Strip by sea in October, with organizers planning stops across several European countries as part of a campaign to build political pressure against Israel ahead of the voyage, Kan 11 News reported Wednesday.
Under the announced itinerary, the flotilla will visit ports in Spain, Portugal and Italy before setting out toward Gaza. Organizers say they intend to challenge what they described as “the illegal and deadly blockade imposed by Israel on Gaza.”
The coalition has already dispatched vessels on separate trips around Europe in preparation for the October campaign. The Handala II sailed through Scandinavia in July, stopping at ports in Norway, Sweden and Denmark. The Kate subsequently departed from Bristol in the United Kingdom and traveled to Ireland, Germany and France.
Organizers say those port visits are designed to mobilize local activists and pressure European governments to take punitive measures 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 it hopes the European campaign will expand public support for its efforts and generate greater international pressure on Israel before the flotilla attempts to reach Gaza in October 2026.
The planned voyage comes several months after another effort to challenge Israel’s naval blockade. In June, the Global Sumud flotilla attempted to reach Gaza before Israeli Shayetet 13 naval commandos intercepted the vessels and detained those aboard.
The Global Sumud flotilla was made up of 57 vessels that departed from Marmaris, Turkey, carrying hundreds of anti-Israel activists.
Among those detained during that operation was the sister of Irish President Catherine Connolly. Following her sister’s detention, Connolly said she was “very proud” of her sister.
