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What is the Gaza freedom flotilla?

3 May 2025 20:02 BST

A ship carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza was struck by an Israeli drone overnight - a reality all too familiar to the organisers of the mission. 

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) vessel was struck near Malta in the early hours of Friday, sparking a fire and leaving it in danger of sinking. 

It had been carrying 30 people from 21 countries. All members of the crew were confirmed to be safe. 

FFC says its goal is to break Israel’s 18-year land, sea and air blockade of the Gaza Strip, which has deprived Palestinians of their rights to health, safety and freedom of movement. 

It does that through education about the blockade, publicising the complicity of other governments in enabling it, and direct action to support Palestinians in their efforts to break the siege. 

Read more: What is the Gaza freedom flotilla?

Palestinians waving national flags wait aboard fishing boats at the port of Gaza City on 30 May 2010 to greet the "Freedom Flotilla" carrying tonnes of supplies and a handful of European MPs and hundreds of pro-Palestinian activists (AFP/Mahmud Hams)