New Gaza-bound flotilla sets off from Sicily

People ride atop a vehicle towing a cart behind, both loaded with bags of humanitarian aid received at a distribution centre run by the US and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), near the so-called “Netzarim corridor” in the central Gaza Strip, on August 22, 2025. The United Nations officially declared a famine in Gaza on August 22, the first time it has done so in the Middle East, with experts warning 500,000 people face “catastrophic” hunger. UN agencies have long been warning of the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza, particularly as Israel steps up its offensive against Hamas. (Photo by Eyad BABA / AFP)

ROME, Italy — A flotilla of 10 vessels set off for Gaza from Sicily, southern Italy, on Saturday, with 60 people on board, including elected officials from nine nations, said organizers.

A statement from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) and the Thousand Madleens to Gaza (TMTG) said they intended to “break the illegal Israeli blockade” to deliver aid to the Palestinian territory.

“For the most part, our boats carry medical supplies, dry food, and school equipment, as this was highlighted as some of the biggest priorities by Palestinians on the ground,” they added.

They intend to join the Global Sumud Flotilla, which is also bound for Gaza carrying aid supplies.

On board are elected officials from the European Parliament and from countries including Belgium, France, Ireland, Spain, and the United States.

On Wednesday, the United Nations called for an investigation into alleged drone attacks off Greece against the Global Sumud Flotilla, which activists have blamed on Israel.

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