KUALA LUMPUR — The International Committee for Breaking the Siege on Gaza has declared that it “will not stop until it achieves its noble humanitarian goals” as a new flotilla set sail from Italy to challenge Israel’s blockade of the Palestinian enclave.
Ten civilian vessels departed from the port of San Giovanni Li Cuti in Catania, Sicily, on Saturday, carrying about 70 activists from over 20 countries, Anadolu Agency reported.
The mission, organised in cooperation with the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, includes nine elected parliamentarians from Europe and the United States.
“This step comes as Israel’s war on Gaza approaches its second year, marked by continued bombardment, starvation tactics, deliberate killings of children and civilians, as well as repeated attacks on journalists, medical crews, hospitals, and the mass displacement of families,” the committee said in a statement.
It accused world powers of “remaining silent while continuing to arm Israel and shielding it from accountability.”
The flotilla follows a long line of maritime missions over the past 15 years, including the Madleen and Handala as well as ships from the Global Sumud Flotilla, many of which were intercepted or attacked by Israeli forces in international waters.
Zaher Birawi, the committee’s chairman, vowed the boats will continue to sail toward Gaza “no matter the challenges and despite hysterical Israeli threats against the activists and supporters of freedom worldwide.”
Israel, which enforces a naval blockade on Gaza, has routinely intercepted vessels bound for the territory, seizing ships and deporting activists. Critics have labelled such actions as piracy.
The launch comes weeks after UN investigators concluded that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, where nearly 66,000 people have been killed since October 2023. — September 27, 2025