[News] Fears rise as drones follow the Handala aid ship to Gaza

[Anti-Imperialist News]

english.almayadeen.net
<https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/fears-rise-as-drones-follow-the-handala-aid-ship-to-gaza>
Fears rise as drones follow the Handala aid ship to Gaza
Al Mayadeen English
July26, 2025
------------------------------

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition reports increased drone activity above the
Handala aid ship, raising concerns over potential Israeli or NATO
intervention as the vessel travels to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.

   - [image: Fears rise as drones follow Handala aid ship to Gaza]
   <https://alpha-en-media.almayadeen.net/media/image/2025/7/26/a7a2e934-4d61-4adf-843a-cb3da0344880.png?width=1000>
   Voice message from Gabrielle Cathala, French member of parliament, speaking
   from abroad the Handala (screenshot from video posted by the Gaza Freedom
   Flotilla on Instagram)

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition reported late Friday that multiple drones
were observed flying above the Handala aid ship, which is en route to the
Gaza Strip. The development has raised renewed concerns
<https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/aid-ship-handala-restores-communications--continues-gaza-mis>
about a possible Israeli or NATO interception of the humanitarian mission.

According to a statement issued on Telegram, the coalition noted that
within a 45-minute window, 16 drones were spotted above the Handala, some
in pairs and others flying directly over the vessel. This increased
surveillance has intensified fears of a potential intervention.

French National Assembly member Gabrielle Cathala, one of 21 international
activists aboard the ship, shared a voice message titled "Day 6,"
cautioning that a raid could occur in the coming hours or by morning.

"We are united, in full solidarity, and prepared. Drones have begun to
appear. If Wi-Fi is cut, strange things can happen. Do not worry about us.
Think about the Palestinians. They are suffering
<https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/-injustice-in-gaza-can-t-be-ignored---handala-member-tells-a>.
The genocide they are enduring is far worse than any risk we face here,"
she said.
Previous Communication Blackout Sparks Alarm

Two days ago, the coalition reported a two-hour loss of communication
<https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/contact-lost-with-handala--ffc-says-flotilla-intercepted-or>
with the Handala, during which several drones were observed circling the
ship. Although contact was later restored, the group cited the drone
activity as a cause for concern.

A previous statement read: "All contact with our crew on Handala was lost,
and several drones were spotted nearby. This could mean they have been
intercepted or attacked."

The Handala departed the Italian port of Syracuse
<https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/freedom-flotilla-s-handala-departs-sicily-in-bid-to-break-ga>
on July 13 and conducted final preparations at Gallipoli from July 15 to
20. It resumed its course on July 20, carrying baby formula, food, and
medicine.

All 21 individuals aboard the vessel are unarmed civilians operating under
international maritime and humanitarian law. The journey is part of a
broader international civil society effort to challenge the "Israeli"
blockade and deliver essential aid to Gaza.

The Handala aid ship remains on its course to the Gaza Strip, continuing
its humanitarian mission to Gaza despite increasing risks.
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