Breaking the Siege: Freedom Flotillas to Gaza
International solidarity missions challenging the illegal blockade of Gaza through peaceful maritime convoys. 8 missions across 16 years.
About the Freedom Flotilla Movement
The Freedom Flotilla movement represents international solidarity with the Palestinian people, challenging the illegal blockade of Gaza through peaceful maritime missions. Since 2010, activists from around the world have organized flotillas to deliver humanitarian aid and break the siege that has trapped over 2 million Palestinians.
These missions highlight the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and demonstrate the international community's commitment to Palestinian rights and freedom of movement.
Humanitarian missions to Gaza since 2008
International activists and volunteers
Nations represented in flotilla missions
Vessels used in humanitarian missions
Activists killed by Israeli forces
Missions that successfully delivered humanitarian aid
Flotilla Missions
View All Missions
All ships except for the Mikeno have been ceased
The Handala crew, after passing the point where another ship had been intercepted, spotted an Israeli drone overhead. Reports said Israel planned to deploy its Shayetet 13 commandos if the ship didn’t change course. Fearing interception, the crew sailed parallel to Egyptian waters and requested entry to Al-Arish. Before they could, Israeli forces boarded the ship in international waters, seized it, towed it to Ashdod, and detained the activists for deportation. One activist reported being severely beaten, while other crew members described enduring physical and psychological abuse.
At around 3:00 a.m. on 9 June, Israeli Navy forces from Shayetet 13 seized the vessel about 185 kilometres from Gaza in international waters, and towed it to Ashdod. According to Israeli officials, they ordered it to turn back before boarding it. During boarding, the passengers of the ship threw mobile phones and a laptop overboard. The passengers on the vessel surrendered to Israeli authorities without resistance.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition said the Conscience, a Palau-flagged aid ship to Gaza, was hit twice by drones, igniting a fire and breaching its hull. Videos show flames and explosions, though unverified. The Israeli military said it was checking reports of the attack, which occurred 1,200 miles from Israel.
Most ships were prevented from leaving port or turned back before reaching Gaza.
Movement Timeline
Freedom Flotilla I (Mavi Marmara) Begins
Freedom Flotilla I (Mavi Marmara) departed for Gaza
Freedom Flotilla I (Mavi Marmara) Intercepted
Israeli forces raided the flotilla on the night of 30–31 May 2010 in international waters of the Mediterranean Sea, boarding the ships using speedboats and helicopters. Nine activists were killed. Dozens of activists and seven Israeli soldiers were injured. After the raid, the activists were detained in Israel pending release: all were deported by 6 June. The ships were towed to Israel and those claimed by their owners were returned. The aid was delivered to Gaza under United Nations supervision on 17 June. Widespread international condemnation of and reaction to the raid followed. Various investigations were conducted, including by the United Nations, Israel and Turkey. Israel-Turkey relations were strained, and Israel subsequently eased its blockade on Gaza.
Mavi Marmara Incident
First Freedom Flotilla attacked by Israeli forces, 10 activists killed
Freedom Flotilla II Begins
Freedom Flotilla II departed for Gaza
Return Flotilla
Flotilla organized to mark 70 years of Palestinian displacement
Break the Siege - Conscience Begins
Break the Siege - Conscience departed for Gaza
Break the Siege - Madleen Begins
Break the Siege - Madleen departed for Gaza
Break the Siege - Madleen Intercepted
At around 3:00 a.m. on 9 June, Israeli Navy forces from Shayetet 13 seized the vessel about 185 kilometres from Gaza in international waters, and towed it to Ashdod. According to Israeli officials, they ordered it to turn back before boarding it. During boarding, the passengers of the ship threw mobile phones and a laptop overboard. The passengers on the vessel surrendered to Israeli authorities without resistance.
Gaza Freedom Flotilla - Handala Begins
Gaza Freedom Flotilla - Handala departed for Gaza
Gaza Freedom Flotilla - Handala Intercepted
The Handala crew, after passing the point where another ship had been intercepted, spotted an Israeli drone overhead. Reports said Israel planned to deploy its Shayetet 13 commandos if the ship didn’t change course. Fearing interception, the crew sailed parallel to Egyptian waters and requested entry to Al-Arish. Before they could, Israeli forces boarded the ship in international waters, seized it, towed it to Ashdod, and detained the activists for deportation. One activist reported being severely beaten, while other crew members described enduring physical and psychological abuse.
Global Samud Flotilla Begins
Global Samud Flotilla departed for Gaza
Thousand Madleens x Freedom Flotilla Begins
Thousand Madleens x Freedom Flotilla departed for Gaza
Global Samud Flotilla Intercepted
All ships except for the Mikeno have been ceased
Support the Movement
Join the international movement to break the siege of Gaza. Your support helps organize flotilla missions, provide humanitarian aid, and raise awareness about the ongoing blockade.