'Injustice in Gaza can't be ignored,' Handala member tells Al Mayadeen
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The humanitarian ship Handala has set sail from Italy with 21 international activists—including American actor Jacob Berger—on a mission to break the illegal siege on Gaza.
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The Handala freedom flotilla is off on its way to Gaza (@yipengGe)
The humanitarian ship Handala departed from the Italian port of Gallipoli on Tuesday, carrying international activists determined to break the blockade and draw attention to what they describe as an unfolding genocide.
On board is American actor and human rights advocate Jacob Berger, who identified himself as Jewish American. Speaking to Al Mayadeen, he said, "I felt that I had an opportunity to get on the boat and help break the siege on Gaza," stressing the moral urgency of the mission. He estimated that the journey could take up to a week.
Jacob Berger is part of the brave crew on the Freedom Flotilla Handala that set sail. pic.twitter.com/XZMa7PFwo3
— 𝓙𝓲𝓶𝓶𝔂 𝓙 🫒🗝️🇵🇸 (@JimmyJ4thewin) July 14, 2025
Berger reported that 21 participants, including six Americans, have joined the initiative. "The goal is to break the illegal blockade on the Gaza Strip," he said. "If the ship succeeds, it will be a source of inspiration for other countries and vessels."
As the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza worsens under Israeli siege, Berger stated, "People in Gaza are literally dying of hunger. This is an injustice that cannot be ignored." He warned that "Israel will do everything it can to stop the ship," anticipating that passengers may face arrest for attempting to bring aid to a starving population.
According to Berger, the vessel faced two suspected sabotage attempts before departure, likely aimed at preventing it from reaching Palestinian shores. Despite this, he said morale remains strong and all participants are unwavering in their commitment to the Palestinian cause.
— Freedom Flotilla Coalition (@GazaFFlotilla) July 20, 2025
Siege Resistance
The voyage follows a long tradition of solidarity flotillas that have sought to challenge the blockade "Israel" imposes on more than two million Palestinians in Gaza. In June, the Madeleine—carrying activists and humanitarian supplies—was intercepted in international waters by Israeli naval commandos, and all on board were arrested and deported. A similar incident occurred in May when the ship Conscience was reportedly targeted by drone strikes near Malta.
The activists on board Handala are part of a global movement calling for justice in Palestine, demanding an end to the siege and international accountability for Israel’s continued violations of human rights and international law.
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