An aid vessel named Handala, which set sail from Italy earlier this month, is now just 150 kilometers away from the shores of Gaza, raising hopes among pro-Palestinian activists for the successful delivery of humanitarian aid.
According to international news agencies, the ship is part of a mission organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, carrying aid for Palestinians suffering from prolonged food shortages.
On board are 15 activists, including two members of the French Parliament, who have been advocating for the rights of Palestinians under siege.
Handala departed from Italy on July 13 and has since navigated its way through the Mediterranean with the goal of delivering essential supplies directly to Gaza.
Mission organizers state that Handala has now passed the point where a previous aid vessel, Medelin, was intercepted by the Israeli Navy.
That vessel was turned back last month approximately 200 kilometers from Gaza’s coast.
The growing proximity of Handala to Gaza has heightened both anticipation and concern, as Israel maintains a strict naval blockade on the territory, often preventing unauthorized aid ships from docking.
Activists and humanitarian organizations continue to call for safe passage of aid to Gaza, urging international bodies to pressure Israel into allowing life-saving supplies to reach civilians trapped in the besieged region.
