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<a class="gmail-domain gmail-reader-domain" href="https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/fears-rise-as-drones-follow-the-handala-aid-ship-to-gaza">english.almayadeen.net</a>
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<h1 class="gmail-reader-title">Fears rise as drones follow the Handala aid ship to Gaza</h1>
<div class="gmail-credits gmail-reader-credits">Al Mayadeen English</div>
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<div class="gmail-reader-estimated-time">July26, 2025</div>
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<div class="gmail-moz-reader-content gmail-reader-show-element"><div id="gmail-readability-page-1" class="gmail-page"><p>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.</p><div><ul id="gmail-content-slick-0"><div aria-hidden="false"><li>
<a href="https://alpha-en-media.almayadeen.net/media/image/2025/7/26/a7a2e934-4d61-4adf-843a-cb3da0344880.png?width=1000" tabindex="0"><img src="https://alpha-en-media.almayadeen.net/media/image/2025/7/26/a7a2e934-4d61-4adf-843a-cb3da0344880.png?width=1000&preset=w700" alt="Fears rise as drones follow Handala aid ship to Gaza" class="gmail-moz-reader-block-img"></a>
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)
</li></div></ul>
<p>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 <a href="https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/aid-ship-handala-restores-communications--continues-gaza-mis">renewed concerns</a> about a possible Israeli or NATO interception of the humanitarian mission.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>"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. <a href="https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/-injustice-in-gaza-can-t-be-ignored---handala-member-tells-a">They are suffering</a>. The genocide they are enduring is far worse than any risk we face here," she said.</p>
<h2>Previous Communication Blackout Sparks Alarm</h2>
<p>Two days ago, the coalition reported a <a href="https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/contact-lost-with-handala--ffc-says-flotilla-intercepted-or">two-hour loss of communication</a>
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.</p>
<p>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."</p>
<p>The Handala departed the <a href="https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/freedom-flotilla-s-handala-departs-sicily-in-bid-to-break-ga">Italian port of Syracuse</a>
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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>The Handala aid ship remains on its course to the Gaza Strip,
continuing its humanitarian mission to Gaza despite increasing risks.</p>
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