This is the second such attempt within a month, following a previous attempt by the ship "Madeleine" as part of the "Freedom Flotilla."
The committee explained that due to strong winds, the ship bounced toward the dock before setting sail again, sailing stern-first, with what the statement described as "remarkable" piloting skills and "unparalleled" determination from the captain and his crew.
The ICRC emphasized that this move builds on previous ships such as the "Dameer" and the "Madeleine," and is a prelude to a larger wave of solidarity this year. It emphasized that "maritime piracy, the kidnapping of activists, the confiscation of ships, and the arrest of solidarity activists will not intimidate us or halt our efforts as long as the blockade continues."
She indicated that, as part of the Freedom Flotilla coalition, she is working to escalate international maritime action to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza.
The committee called on "all solidarity movements and organizations around the world to unify efforts and escalate pressure on the Israeli occupation and its international allies to end the blockade and pave the way for ending the occupation itself, as it is the root of all the region's tragedies," it said.
Hanthala...more than a ship
The committee said, "The Hanthala ship is not just a boat, but a cry of global conscience against normalization with the blockade, and a message to the peoples of the world that solidarity action is not an option, but a humanitarian and moral duty."
It saluted the steadfastness of Palestinians in Gaza, calling for close monitoring of the ship and its course "to protect the solidarity activists on board and reinforce its message and goals." The committee emphasized that it "will not leave Gaza alone."
The ship is named "Handala," the iconic character created by the late Palestinian artist Naji al-Ali in 1969. The character has become a Palestinian icon symbolizing steadfastness and resistance, particularly in the face of international injustice and complicity with the occupation.
Since October 7, 2023, Israel, with US support, has been committing genocide in the Gaza Strip, including killing, starvation, destruction, and forced displacement, ignoring international calls and orders from the International Court of Justice to halt the practice.
This genocide resulted in the deaths and injuries of more than 196,000 Palestinians, most of whom were children and women. More than 10,000 people were missing, hundreds of thousands were displaced, and a worsening famine claimed the lives of many, including dozens of children.
