Reminder 🚨: 19 International Human Rights defenders and 2 Journalists from 12 different countries set sail on the Handala Freedom Flotilla on Sunday 20 July on a bold mission to challenge Israel’s illegal and inhumane blockade of the Palestinian people in Gaza.
They currently remain en route (as of July 25, 2025) and on mission. Communications have been restored after drone fly-bys caused concern of those onboard and contact was temporarily lost.
The Handala, now at sea, carries life-saving humanitarian aid and a direct political message: the blockade must end.
Human Rights Defenders on Board:
Christian Smalls (United States 🇺🇸) – Founder of the Amazon Labor Union
Huwaida Arraf (Palestine/United States 🇵🇸🇺🇸) – Human rights attorney, Freedom Flotilla Coalition steering committee member
Emma Fourreau (France/Sweden 🇫🇷🇸🇪) – Member of the European Parliament and human rights activist
Gabrielle Cathala (France 🇫🇷) – Parliamentarian and former humanitarian worker
Dr. Frank Romano (France/United States 🇫🇷🇺🇸) – International lawyer and actor
Robert Martin (Australia 🇦🇺) – Human rights activist
Jacob Berger (United States 🇺🇸) – Jewish-American activist and content creator
Bob Suberi (United States 🇺🇸) – Jewish U.S. war veteran
Antonio Mazzeo (Italy 🇮🇹) – Teacher, peace researcher, and journalist
Santiago González Vallejo (Spain 🇪🇸) – Economist and human rights activist
Sergio Toribio (Spain 🇪🇸) – Engineer and environmental activist
Justine Kempf (France 🇫🇷) – Nurse with Médecins du Monde
Ange Sahuquet (France 🇫🇷) – Engineer and human rights activist
Antonio La Picirella (Italy 🇮🇹) – Climate and social justice organizer
Braedon Peluso (United States 🇺🇸) – Seasoned sailor and direct action activist
Chloé Fiona Ludden (United Kingdom/France 🇬🇧🇫🇷) – Former United Nations staff member and scientist
Hatem Aouini (Tunisia 🇹🇳) – Trade unionist and internationalist activist
Tania “Tan” Safi (Australia 🇦🇺) – Journalist and organizer born to Lebanese refugees
Vigdis Bjorvand (Norway 🇳🇴) 70-year-old activist with an unwavering commitment to justice spanning nearly five decades
Journalists on Board:
**Mohamed El Bakkali **(Morocco 🇲🇦) – Senior journalist with Al Jazeera, based in Paris
**Waad Al Musa **(Iraq/United States 🇮🇶🇺🇸) – Cameraman and field reporter with Al Jazeera