Aid boat sails from Bristol toward Gaza to end Israeli siege

BRISTOL, United Kingdom (MNTV) — A boat carrying 12 activists has departed the southern English city of Bristol as part of an international flotilla seeking to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid to Palestinians.

The vessel, named “Kate,” was sent off from Hannover Quay on Sunday as supporters gathered to see the activists begin their journey toward Gaza. The mission is associated with the Freedom Flotilla movement, which has repeatedly attempted to reach the besieged territory by sea.

Among those attending the departure were Swee Ang, a physician and founder of Medical Aid for Palestinians, Welsh nurse Leigh Evans and University of Bristol professor David Miller.

The boat is commanded by Irish sailor Fiacc O Brolchain, who was detained by Israeli forces during an earlier flotilla mission. Brolchain said Israeli interrogators confiscated his hearing aids during his detention, making it difficult for him to understand what was being said.

The latest voyage comes after years of confrontations between Israel and vessels attempting to reach Gaza. According to Frank Romano, a member of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, Israeli forces have intercepted more than 75 solidarity vessels since October 2023, although only two have subsequently been recovered through legal efforts.

Romano said the broader Global Sumud Flotilla campaign has cost about $24 million and involves numerous boats operating in different waves. The movement launched its first mission last year before organizing a larger effort in April.

Swedish activist Greta Thunberg previously participated in the campaign and was detained after Israeli forces intercepted her vessel, the Alma. Thunberg and other activists have alleged physical and psychological mistreatment during detention, allegations Israel has denied.

Irish activist Colm Byrne, who is again participating in the latest effort, said Israeli forces intercepted an earlier flotilla mission in April while the vessels were still more than 1,000 kilometers from Gaza. He alleged that activists were beaten, kicked and subjected to degrading treatment before being transferred to prison.

Byrne said activists were forced to remain on their knees with their hands restrained before being taken into custody. He nevertheless emphasized that his experience was minor compared with the treatment endured by Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.

The latest mission is part of a wider campaign by activists who say maritime access to Gaza is necessary to challenge the blockade and draw international attention to the humanitarian situation in the territory.