Suspected sabotage, chemical attack hours before ‘Handala’ departure to Gaza

Just hours before its scheduled departure to Gaza, the humanitarian vessel Handala faced two alarming incidents that appear to be deliberate attempts to sabotage the mission.

According to the Freedom Flotilla, a rope was found wrapped around the boat’s propeller, potentially disabling the vessel’s engine. Later, a delivery purported to be fresh water was labeled as sulfuric acid and contained a corrosive chemical. When crew members inspected the container, one was splashed on the leg and sustained chemical burns, while another suffered burns to his hand after opening the container and detecting a strong chemical odor.

The flotilla’s organizers condemned these incidents as calculated efforts to harm crew members and obstruct their humanitarian mission. They emphasized that despite these attacks, they remain determined to sail “for the children of Gaza—against siege, starvation, and slaughter,” aiming to break 'Israel’s' blockade and deliver vital aid.

“We will not be intimidated, we will not be silenced, and we will not stop,” the Freedom Flotilla stated.

The group has called on the international community to hold those responsible accountable and to guarantee safe passage for their civilian mission to Gaza. A full investigation into the sabotage attempts is underway.

The flotilla’s mission highlights ongoing efforts to challenge the blockade imposed on Gaza and to provide humanitarian assistance amid the region’s crisis.