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Aid ship bound for Gaza sabotaged in Italy before setting sail

Aid ship bound for Gaza sabotaged in Italy before setting sail

Middle East Eye4 days ago
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition says its vessel Handala, heading to Gaza with humanitarian aid, was sabotaged before it could leave the Italian port of Gallipoli.
According to the group, a rope had been tightly wound around the ship's propeller and a corrosive substance was poured into the water tank, injuring two crew members.
Despite the sabotage, Handala has now set sail towards Gaza, carrying a group of international activists and essential supplies including baby formula, medication, and toys. The journey is expected to last about a week.
The International Committee to Break the Siege on Gaza condemned the incident and urged global powers to ensure the vessel's protection, warning against potential acts of 'Israeli piracy'.
This mission comes six weeks after the Madleen made a similar journey, with high-profile figures including activist Greta Thunberg and French-Palestinian MEP Rima Hassan on board.
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