A new humanitarian mission, dubbed the Conscience Boat, has set sail from Italy in a renewed effort to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza. The flotilla, organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, comprises 11 vessels and carries approximately 100 participants, including doctors, journalists, and international activists. The coalition confirmed the departure on X, stating that the mission aims to break the blockade and deliver urgently needed humanitarian aid to the Palestinian enclave.
This latest voyage follows closely on the heels of the Global Sumud Flotilla, whose ships were all intercepted by Israeli forces earlier in the week. Hundreds of participants from that mission were detained and face deportation. In response, organizers of the new flotilla describe their effort as part of a growing international call to end what they refer to as an “illegal siege,” and to ensure the safe delivery of humanitarian supplies to Gaza’s population.
The Conscience Boat underscores a continued global push to highlight the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and to pressure authorities for the protection of civilian aid missions operating in international waters.